To the Hebrides: Samuel Johnson's Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland and James Boswell's Journal of a Tour to the Hebrides Book

3.5 stars

I think reading these two journals is a bit different since the first one by Dr Johnson (117 pages) is focused on various cities/towns while the second by Boswell (349 pages) on successive dates along the route. I longed to read both some years ago and when I finished reading them, my verdict is that the one by Boswell is more readable because he's included lots of related details with interesting direct quotes by Dr Johnson and those he/Boswell met. However, you won't be disappointed if you prefer the descriptions narrated by one of the great men of letters/lexicographers in the English language.

I also think there're definitely innumerable Johnsonian/Boswellian scholars worldwide who can cite many insightful dialogues with fascinating interpretations, therefore, I'd be content with my ideas emerging while reading these two formidable, unique journals for my friends who care to read and, hopefully, share their appreciation with me.

1. I think these journals are formidable and unique because they're the accounts narrated from direct experience while traveling together through Scotland in 1773. They were not ordinary friends but fortune dictated Boswell to meet and befriend Dr Johnson one morning in 1763 in London; moreover, they're not in their 30's, 40's or 50's, just imagine, their ages were unthinkably different. Dr Johnson was 63 but Boswell 32; they were rather like a father and a son.

2. Boswell revered Dr Johnson sincerely and since he often addressed him in his journal as his 'great', 'illustrious' friend. I think, finally, Boswell become Dr Johnson's great friend himself when he decided to write his monumental "Life of Johnson," the groundbreaking biography for the world to read, admire and know Dr Johnson more.

3. Latin then was the language of Western scholars, and now? I think both Latin and Greek have long been instrumental in deepening true knowledge among scholars since the ancient times of Rome and Greece. We can come across Latin as quoted by Dr Johnson and Boswell, of course, it's Greek to me, therefore, it's a relief when I can read its English translation in the Notes section.

In brief, you may find these two journals interesting if you don't mind English as written to record their itineraries in 1773, that is, some 246 years ago (as of 1773 till now).