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

In 1773, two devoted friends set out on an adventure that would take them through the Highlands of Scotland and its Western Islands. Dr Johnson was 63 and Boswell was 32, and they had been friends for ten years. Johnson's Journey shows a hawk-like eye for telling detail, as he records his impressions of Scottish life, religion, traditions, its rugged landscapes and the generous hospitality he received, as well as his ideas about such aspects of its recent history as the Jacobite rebellion and clan feuding. While Johnson was observing Scotland, Boswell was observing Johnson. His entertaining and perceptive Journal provides an admiring, yet honest sketch of his beloved mentor that gives readers a fascinating advance glimpse of the man he depicted in his immortal Life of Johnson.

In his introduction, Peter Levi places these works in the context of 18th-century British travel writing and discusses Johnson's view of Scotland and Boswell's view of Johnson. This edition also includes a map and notes that provide a wry commentary.