A Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland & Journal of a Tour to the Hebrides with Samuel Johnson

By: Samuel Johnson, James Boswell

Narrated by: Ben Allen, Robin Laing

'All travel has its advantages. If the passenger visits better countries, he may learn to improve his own, and if fortune carries him to worse, he may learn to enjoy it.'

A beloved travelogue, A Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland and The Journal of a Tour to the Hebrides offers a compelling recollection of a trip made by two great companions: Samuel Johnson and James Boswell.

Initially published in 1775, A Journey to the Western Isles recounts a three-month trip to upper Scotland that Samuel Johnson undertook with James Boswell a couple of years previously. During their adventure, they discover a novel culture, stunning landscapes and welcoming locals – all described in Johnson's captivating prose. The Journal of a Tour to the Hebrides, created from excerpts of Boswell's diary at the time, was made available to read after Johnson's death in 1784. Through their compelling conversations on religion, literature and politics, Boswell paints an affectionate portrait of Johnson, celebrating the intellect and wit he was known for. This audiobook edition is wonderfully brought to life by Robin Laing and Ben Allen.

Samuel Johnson (1709 – 1784) was an esteemed literary figure of the eighteenth century: a poet, playwright, biographer, literary critic and essayist. He is famed for having written the first great English dictionary, published in 1755.

James Boswell (1740 – 1795) was a Scottish lawyer and biographer. His most famous work, The Life of Samuel Johnson, is a biography of the English writer and his good companion, Samuel Johnson. It is considered as one of the greatest biographies of all time.

©2025 Samuel Johnson, James Boswell (P)2025 SNR Audio