Books

A remarkable survivor in the form in which this was originally published. This copy is in original marbled boards and quarter calf, with uncut page edges. Most copies did not survive in this form. This one has, superbly. First edition, mixed state. With the half title and errata and publisher�s advertisement leaf for Boswell's Life of Johnson at the end. Original blank pages; two in front, two in rear, has leaf Q7 in first state while U6 and I5 are in second states. E3, E4, and M4 are cancels. Rothschild 456. Octavo (225 x 135mm). This copy is from a lending library, with the names of original readers listed on the front end-paper. The first reader in the list of about 14 names is a Mr Hatfield, who held the book from 29 September through 9 October 1786. Boswell's Journal of a Tour to the Hebrides �has the chatty informality of a �rough� guide: its focus is on Johnson, as it describes his charged encounters with the native population, whether humble cottagers or important personages like Lord Monboddo and Boswell's formidable father Lord Auchinleck� (ODNB). Condition: chip to head of spine, some wear along joints, some scuffing to boards. Internally there are a few occasional spots but largely the pages are quite clean. Seems to me to be remarkably well preserved for a 238 year old library book.

James Boswell's account of his 1773 journey with Samuel Johnson through the Scottish Highlands and Hebrides, offering both travel insights and personal reflections.