[JOHNSON, Samuel]. A journey to the Western Islands of Scotland.
London, W. Strahan and T. Cadell, 1775
£ 350
8vo (210 x 120 mm); [iv], 384 pp.; six-line errata leaf after the title. Contemporary sprinkled calf, single gilt fillet on both covers, flat spine gilt with fleurons, intricate ornaments, and fillets, red morocco lettering label, gilt roll to edges of covers, bookplate of Peter Bicknell front pastedown, dark green silk bookmark, some browning from the turn-ins on the title and verso of the last leaf, occasional light foxing here and there, but heavier on the last leaves. A fine copy in a contemporary binding.
First edition, second printing of Samuel Johnson’s (1709-1784) account of his travels and exploration of the Hebrides in the autumn of 1773, accompanied by his friend James Boswell (1740-1795). Undertaken at the age of 64, this journey was ‘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 narrative of the journey was written in a more homely style than many of his previous publications, and it was not meant unkindly. He commented on the paucity of trees of any age, and on the abundance of beggars. He protested against the lack of fresh air in the rooms, and he dwelt on the increase of rents (Courtney & Smith, p.119)
Rothschild 1256; Courtney & Smith pp.117-122