An Account of Corsica, the Journal of a Tour to That Island; and Memoirs of Pascal Paoli
📘 About This Book
This first complete reprint of 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, socio-economic, 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 but 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. He brings to the book a solid foundation in the Classics and the law, a facility in French and Italian, and a sensitivity to writing that, as the notes show, is evident in the reworking of his manuscript. The editors' introduction and the extensive annotation point up Boswell the scholar--assiduous, sedulous to get at the relevant sources, careful to do justice to those he disagreed with, and open about seeking and acknowledging advice. The text reveals Boswell as a serious and independent thinker and a writer committed to Corsica's independence. What he argued for and presumed was about to be achieved is still a matter of debate in Corsica and metropolitan France.
📖 Summary
James Boswell's work on Corsica, first published in the eighteenth century and brought back in this complete reprint, offers readers a remarkable window into a lesser-known European struggle for freedom and self-determination. The author designed his text in two distinct parts to achieve a specific political and cultural goal. In the first section, the book provides a comprehensive account of Corsica, detailing the historical, political, socio-economic, and cultural overview of the Corsican people. This part was meticulously crafted because Boswell was well aware that his English readers had only the haziest idea about the island and its inhabitants. By laying out the rich fabric of Corsican society, he aimed to educate the British public and shift their perspective. The second part of the work contains the journal of his actual tour to the island in 1765, where he sought out and spent time with the charismatic Corsican independence leader, Pascal Paoli. Unlike many modern reprints that isolate just the travel journal, this complete edition preserves Boswell's original architectural design, allowing the reader to fully appreciate the interplay between factual background and personal narrative. As a young and adventuresome writer, Boswell harbored grand ambitions. He wanted his book to serve as a powerful catalyst, swinging public opinion and perhaps even swaying the British government to support the Corsicans in their desperate struggle for independence. The resulting volume blends travel writing, political advocacy, biography, and cultural history into a cohesive whole. Through his vivid prose and encounters with Pascal Paoli, Boswell captured the spirit of a resilient people fighting for autonomy, creating a timeless document of political engagement and early modern travel literature.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Restores the author's original two-part design rather than just printing the journal.
Includes comprehensive annotation and a helpful critical introduction.
Offers a unique historical perspective on Corsican independence and culture.
Combines engaging travel writing with serious political and social commentary.
⚠️ Cons
The historical focus may feel dense for readers only looking for a light travelogue.
Eighteenth-century prose style can occasionally challenge modern readers.
✍️ About the Author
❓ FAQ
What is the primary structure of the book? +
The book is designed in two parts: an account of Corsica's history and society, followed by a journal of Boswell's tour to meet Pascal Paoli.
When did James Boswell visit Corsica? +
Boswell traveled to the island in 1765.
What was Boswell's main goal in writing this book? +
He wanted to swing British public opinion and government support in favor of the Corsicans fighting for their independence.
Who is Pascal Paoli? +
Pascal Paoli was the prominent leader of the Corsican people during their struggle for independence, whom Boswell profiles in the book.
Why is this specific edition notable? +
It is the first complete reprint of Boswell's book since the eighteenth century, enhanced with comprehensive annotation and a critical introduction.
