Second edition of a delightful and important travel book by James Boswell (1740-1795), best known as the friend and biographer of Samuel Johnson. His first major publication, it includes a journal of his 1765 visit to the new Republic of Corsica, which had declared its independence from the Republic of Genoa in 1755, as well as his memoires of the Republics founding father and president, Pasquale Paoli (1725-1807). Boswells work made the new republic and its leader famous and helped give them legitimacy. It proved so popular that three more editions appeared before the end of 1768. It is divided into two parts, the first giving a detailed description and history of Corsica, and the second containing a journal of Boswell's voyage to and travels on the island. It was especially this latter part that excited the public, being a lively account of Boswell's quixotic adventures in Corsica and his association with President Paoli.
The large folding map, newly made for Boswell's account by his servant Thomas Phinn and dated 1768, is one of the rare maps solely devoted to the island. The work was translated within a few years into Dutch, German, French, and Italian.
With the bookplate of John Measure mounted on the front pastedown. The edges and corners of the boards are very slightly scuffed, the top outer corner of the front board is bumped. The leaves and plate are somewhat browned. Otherwise in good condition. Cox I, pp. 138-9; ESTC T26158; cf. Lowndes, The Bibliogr. Manual of Engl. Lit. I, p. 242 (first ed.).