A Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland and The Journal of a Tour to the Hebrides - Softcover

Johnson, Samuel; Boswell, James

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0486455548 ISBN 13: 9780486455549

Publisher: Dover Publications, 2008

Synopsis

Two of the eighteenth century's preeminent writers spent the autumn of 1773 touring Scotland together. Being literary gentlemen, they took extensive notes. Five years away from producing his famous dictionary, Samuel Johnson hoped to encounter romantic wilderness scenes by "going where nobody goes and seeing what nobody sees." James Boswell, Johnson's biographer, reveled in the opportunity to visit his native country in the company of his mentor. Their respective accounts of their sojourn offer not only a taste of travel writing at its finest but also fascinating insights into a celebrated literary friendship.
At the time of their trip, Johnson was 63, Boswell was 32, and the two had known each other for over a decade. The Scotland they explored on their 83-day journey—a rugged territory held down by a string of forts—was largely unknown to Europeans. The authors' perceptive observations on the land and its people represent a valuable historical record of a vanished time and place as well as an engaging armchair adventure.

About this title

From the Back Cover:

Johnson's 'Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland' is not only a narrative of personal experience, rare in the canon of his writings, but also a deeply reflective survey of the Highlands and Isles--their social and economic structure, their traditions and customs. Beyond this, Johnson undertakes a subtle, penetrating analysis of a people in the throes of change, and examines the predicament they face as a result.

About the Author:

Samuel Johnson (1709 and died in 1784) lived long life, though one marred by depression and fear of death. His literary reputation rests on such a varied output that he defies easy description: poet, critic, lexicographer, travel writer, essayist, editor, and, with his good friend and fellow traveller James Boswell, a biographer.

About this edition

• Publisher: Dover Publications
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 0486455548
• ISBN 13: 9780486455549
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 416