A Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland, Samuel Johnson

£275.00

A Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland, Samuel Johnson

Name: A Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland, Samuel Johnson
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 5917
Price: 275.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Publication: Glasgow, R. Chapman, 1817.

Formatting: 8vo, two volumes bound as one. Complete with engraved portrait frontispiece, both half-titles, and advertisement leaves.

Condition Report: Near Fine. The book has been exquisitely rebound in a modern half-calf over marbled boards, presenting beautifully. The binding is exceedingly tight and square, featuring crisp, unworn leather and sharp corners. The spine is a particular highlight, boasting brilliant, unoxidised gilt ruling across five raised bands and two contrasting morocco labels that show no signs of scuffing or shelf-wear. Internally, the text block remains bright and clean, free from significant foxing or dampstaining, and is complemented by fresh marbled endpapers and lightly speckled top page edges. A remarkably well-preserved and handsome copy.

Catalogue Note: This 1817 Glasgow edition, printed at the Stanhope Press by R. Chapman, represents a highly desirable printing, often catalogued as a "First Edition thus". It notably combines Samuel Johnson's renowned travelogue with the spirited counter-narrative, Remarks, by the Reverend Donald M'Nicol.

M'Nicol's Remarks was originally published in 1779 as a fierce Scottish defence against Johnson's perceived anti-Scottish prejudices. Binding the two works together became a popular practice in later Scottish editions, offering readers both the provocative travelogue and its impassioned rebuttal in one volume. This copy is especially notable for retaining all its preliminary components, including the engraved portrait frontispiece of Johnson (executed by E. Mitchell after Sir Joshua Reynolds), both half-titles for the respective works, and the publisher's advertisement leaves. These elements are frequently lost or excised in rebound copies of this era.

First published in 1774, A Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland is Samuel Johnson’s evocative account of his eighty-three-day trek through the Scottish Highlands and Hebrides alongside his friend and biographer, James Boswell. As one of the preeminent English men of letters, Johnson approached the rugged, remote landscapes and the fading Gaelic culture of the clans with a mixture of anthropological curiosity and distinctly English scepticism. This volume brilliantly pairs his celebrated travelogue with the fiery Remarks of Donald M'Nicol, a Highland minister who meticulously challenged Johnson's observations. Together, they provide a fascinating, dual-perspective on Scottish society and cultural identity during a period of profound historical transformation.

Book Condition: Near Fine

Book Authors: Samuel Johnson, Donald M'Nicol

Book Publisher: R. Chapman

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Non-Fiction

Genre: Travel, Exploration & Adventure

Book edition:

Signed: No

Book Pages:

Book Publication Year: 1817

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Half Leather

Illustrator: E. Mitchell

Book Series: N/A

Country/region of manufacture: Glasgow, United Kingdom

Book Dimensions:

Book Condition Guide

We stock thousands of books in a wide range of conditions. To make things clear and to help you know exactly what to expect, Please refer to these condition categories to understand the condition of the book you will receive.

Condition	Description
New	A brand-new, unread and professionally handled book. Carefully preserved from publication to purchase, these books are offered in the best attainable condition. This grade applies to recently published titles that have not entered long-term storage.
As New	The book is in pristine, original condition as if just published. No signs of use or handling. The dust jacket (if present) is equally flawless. This grade applies to any book that has remained untouched in storage for years.
Fine	The book is close to As New. It remains bright and attractive, but could show minor imperfections to the boards and/or dust jacket (if present). Its pages are typically clean and unmarked.
Near Fine	The book has a number of small flaws, i.e. slight rubbing to the edges, or tiny chips or creases to the dust jacket (if present). Its pages may have faint marks, or creases that are barely perceptible — nothing that detracts from their overall condition.
Very Good	The book maintains its structural integrity, and has no major flaws such as tears to its binding or pages. It may, however, show signs of careful use, handling, or storage — small marks and creases, light foxing. Its dust jacket (if present) remains fully intact, but small tears may be present.
Good	A book that remains intact and readable with complete text pages, but shows moderate signs of wear and use to both the book and dust jacket (if present). It may have noticeable creases, nicks, or stains, and the spine likely shows fading, bumping, and rubbing. There could be writing, underlining, and other marks on some pages, though the majority will be clean and tidy.
Fair	A book with significant wear or damage. The text pages will be complete, but there may be heavy underlining, highlighting and staining throughout, and the book’s endpapers, half-title, and copyright pages could be damaged or missing. The binding could be loose, and the dust jacket (if present) may have notable scuffs or tears. These copies are usually of interest for content, signature(s) or scarcity.
Poor	A heavily worn book whose value lies in its complete and legible text. A poor book will have substantial defects — loose joints or hinges, detached covers, loose and/or missing pages, and could be heavily soiled. A poor book is also known as a reading copy, and although compromised, can hold historical or bibliographic significance.