BOSWELL, James (1740-1795). An Account of Corsica. Glasgow: Robert and Andrew Foulis for Edward and Charles Dilly, 1768.

First edition with folding map, early state. As Britain debated supporting Corsican resistance leader Pasquale Paoli in his fight for the island’s independence, one book was at the centre of British public interest in the matter. James Boswell had in the fall of 1765 embarked on a six-week tour of Corsica which included interviewing Paoli and producing a new, detailed map of the territory. These were published early in 1768, and greatly increased popular awareness of Corsica’s history and geography in addition to documenting Boswell’s journey and Paoli’s memoirs. This is the earlier state with “141” for p. 241 in Table of Contents, “feelirg” on p. 137, “tha the” on p. 172, “Montgomerÿ” on p. 184 and “spectulati-ions” on p. 327. E2 and Z3 cancelled as usual, E2 with undivided “Istria.” Pottle 24; Gaskell Foulis 473.

Octavo (200 x 125mm). Half title (with Stationers Hall notice), folding map facing title (map lightly offset onto itself). Contemporary speckled calf (hinges skillfully restored). Provenance: William Constable, 1721-1791, British naturalist (bookplate).