An Account of Corsica, the Journal of a Tour to That Island by James Boswell - 1768

xxi, [3], 382 pp Folding copper-engraved map (8vo) 20x12 cm (8x4¾"), period full calf, raised bands, morocco lettering piece

Some rubbing to spine and extremities, joints tender, minor wear to covers, small repair to rear cover; short stub tear to map, else very good or better, an attractive copy

This was the first work to bring Boswell fame; it also brought the cause of Corsican independence, fought for under the handsome and impressive General Paoli, to international attention Boswell's urgent calls for support and the romanticized account of Paoli as lionized father figure nearly brought England into war with France over Corsica Eventually the struggle for independence was lost, and Paoli fled to England, where he enjoyed widespread adulation

Even for an 18th century work, there are a significant number of variations for this first edition, which may occur in various combinations Following the general order per the Rothschild catalogue (442), specific points for this copy include:

1 Collation consists of blank leaf, half title, folding map, title page, preface, table of contents, pp 382, final blank leaf

2 P 51 â€"(ii) state, with :John Home" correctly placed

3 P 67/68 â€" l 11-12 (ii) state "noble fief of Is/tria"

4 P 357 â€" "Mariani" is spelled correctly

5 Folding map has the publisher's imprint and no scale of miles

6 Table of Contents - 141 for 241 uncorrected

7 P 70, l 17 - Ftruscans for Etruscans

8 P 93, l6 â€" "prince of"

9 P 137, l 11 â€" "feelirg"

10 P 172, l 9 - "tha the"

11 P 184, l 4 â€" with dots over the y in Montgomery"

12 P 296, l 18 â€" "of my own"

13 P 327, l 9-10 â€" "speculati/ions