A Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland by Samuel Johnson

A Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland is a classic work of travel literature by Samuel Johnson, published in 1775. The book is an account of a journey Johnson undertook in 1773 with his friend, the Scottish lawyer and biographer James Boswell.

The journey included visits to remote parts of Scotland, including the Hebrides. Johnson described the landscapes, people, culture, and way of life of the inhabitants, while also sharing his observations on the Gaelic language, the clan system, and Scottish history.

The book’s style combines Johnson’s characteristic intellectualism with personal reflections and a touch of humor. It became an important source of knowledge about 18th-century Scotland and is admired for its vivid depictions of places and the author’s insightful commentary. Together with Boswell’s account, The Journal of a Tour to the Hebrides (1785), it forms a fascinating record of their shared journey.

DESCRIPTION

Octavo format, 254 pages, set in Monotype Bell and printed on Fabriano Tiepolo pure cotton wove paper, limited to an edition of 25 copies. Handsomely bound in leather with marbled boards, housed in a slipcase. The spine features gilt titles and decoration, with marbled edges adding a refined touch.