‘All travel has its advantages. If the passenger visits better countries, he may learn to improve his own, and if fortune carries him to worse, he may learn to enjoy it.’

A beloved travelogue, The Journal of a Tour to the Hebrides with Samuel Johnson offers a compelling recollection of two great companions' journey through Scotland, and an intimate glimpse into one of the greatest minds of the eighteenth century.

The year was 1773, and James Boswell was in need of an adventure. Persuading literary powerhouse – and good friend – Samuel Johnson to accompany him, Boswell embarked on a three-month trip to upper Scotland. During their journey, they discovered novel cultures, stunning landscapes and welcoming locals as they traversed the cities of St Andrews, Aberdeen and Inverness, before going on to explore the magical islands of Skye, Coll and Mull. Created from excerpts of Boswell’s diary at the time, this unique travelogue recounts fascinating conversations on religion, literature and politics, painting an affectionate portrait of Johnson and his trademark intellect and wit. Published shortly after Johnson’s death in 1784, Boswell’s work remains an enduring testament to their friendship and lifelong passion for travel.

James Boswell (1740 – 1795) was a Scottish lawyer and biographer. His most famous work, The Life of Samuel Johnson, is a biography of the English writer and his good companion, Samuel Johnson. It is considered as one of the greatest biographies of all time.