Book dossier

An account of Corsica, the journal of a tour to that island; and memoirs of Pascal Paoli

by James Boswell

"This first complete reprint of James Boswell's book on Corsica since the eighteenth century is enhanced by comprehensive annotation, textual apparatus, and a critical introduction. Boswell designed his text in two parts, first, an "Account" of Corsica, which gives a historical, political, socioeconomic, and cultural overview of the Corsican people, and second, the "Journal" of his tour to see the Corsican leader Pascal Paoli in 1765. This edition, unlike so many reprints of just the "Journal," allows the reader to appreciate Boswell's original design." "The young and adventuresome Boswell wanted to write a book that would swing public opinion, and perhaps the British government, to support the Corsicans in their struggle for independence. He was well aware that his English readers had but the haziest ideas about Corsica, gleaned from just snatches of news in the papers. The first part would therefore provide the context within which to understand and appreciate his account of his journey to and meeting with Paoli." "The complete text also illustrates aspects of Boswell that have received less attention than they might, namely, his sense of history, his political enthusiasm for national liberty, and his scholarship."--BOOK JACKET.