Samuel Johnson, 1775

[JOHNSON, Samuel (1709-1784).] A Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland. London: Printed for W. Strahan and T. Cadell, 1775.

The second edition, uncut in original boards. Johnson was 63 years old at the time of his and Boswell's journey in the summer and autumn of 1773. Prior to their trip he had rarely travelled outside of London, and Courtney & Smith note that these travels "were no inconsiderable feat for a man of his age and size. They were not free from danger or discomfort. But he went through the troubles which attended his wanderings without flinching." His resulting account is a detailed piece of cultural anthropology. Courtney & Smith, pp. 122-23, Fleeman 75.1J/2a.

Octavo (223 x 141mm). Six-line errata leaf following title (a couple leaves with short marginal tears, hinges reinforced). Original boards (rebacked with most of original spine laid down; worn along joints; soiled). Custom chemise and quarter morocco slipcase. Provenance: Sir Edward Blount (armorial bookplate).