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This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.
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22 of 22 people found the following review helpful
I was inspired to read this after watching the BBC programme Three Men in A Boat, 2010 which shows Griff Rhys-Jones, Rory McGrath and Dara O'Briain's adventure to the Hebridian Islands, touring the journey taken by Samuel Johnson and his companion James Boswell in 1773.
Although written a long time ago and some spellings are in old English, I'd say the Kindle version is a very easy read.
Johnson portrayed a real sense of the harsh landscape and how this influenced the economic climate of the Islanders. His account of the reception and hospitality he received by the people he met during his travels reflects his standing in society at the time. Some of this makes uncomfortable but insightful reading. He frequently referred to the tenants who serve their Lairds as "savages", and was disapproving of those, who, in the face of rising payments to their Chiefs, sought a more prosperous life in the New World of America.
What strikes me about this book from a 21st Century perspective is that an appreciation for the beauty of the Western Isles appears to be lacking from the narrative. While modern day tourists seek out places like this and marvel at the scenery to escape the flurry of city life, Johnson observed the landscape with similar awe, but remarked on how the elements impeded progression in the working lives of the locals.
Since there was no written language in Erse when Johnson wrote these memoirs, what we have here is predominantly a record of folklore from the Hebridian Islanders along with his somewhat biased observations and previous knowledge from and Englishman's perspective. And it's a very interesting perspective for anyone interested in Scotland's history.
Thanks Griff, Rory and Dara for pointing the way to this literary diary and rekindling my interest in this remarkable part of Scotland.
Although written a long time ago and some spellings are in old English, I'd say the Kindle version is a very easy read.
Johnson portrayed a real sense of the harsh landscape and how this influenced the economic climate of the Islanders. His account of the reception and hospitality he received by the people he met during his travels reflects his standing in society at the time. Some of this makes uncomfortable but insightful reading. He frequently referred to the tenants who serve their Lairds as "savages", and was disapproving of those, who, in the face of rising payments to their Chiefs, sought a more prosperous life in the New World of America.
What strikes me about this book from a 21st Century perspective is that an appreciation for the beauty of the Western Isles appears to be lacking from the narrative. While modern day tourists seek out places like this and marvel at the scenery to escape the flurry of city life, Johnson observed the landscape with similar awe, but remarked on how the elements impeded progression in the working lives of the locals.
Since there was no written language in Erse when Johnson wrote these memoirs, what we have here is predominantly a record of folklore from the Hebridian Islanders along with his somewhat biased observations and previous knowledge from and Englishman's perspective. And it's a very interesting perspective for anyone interested in Scotland's history.
Thanks Griff, Rory and Dara for pointing the way to this literary diary and rekindling my interest in this remarkable part of Scotland.
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful
I read this book as I have visited the area many times and wondered how things had changed over the years. I was interested to see the comments about falling standards in Aberdeen University and the increasing ease with which a decree could be obtained - sounded just like today!
I was also interested in the reference to the "Rest and Be Thankful" on the road from Inverary. My mother always said the pass got its name in the 1920s from relieved motorists who made it to the top but it appears to have a much older history than that.
If you know the Western Isles I would reccommend reading this book which will give you an insight into the history of this beautiful area.
I was also interested in the reference to the "Rest and Be Thankful" on the road from Inverary. My mother always said the pass got its name in the 1920s from relieved motorists who made it to the top but it appears to have a much older history than that.
If you know the Western Isles I would reccommend reading this book which will give you an insight into the history of this beautiful area.
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But it must be remembered, that life consists not of a series of illustrious actions, or elegant enjoyments; the greater part of our time passes in compliance with necessities, in the performance of daily duties, in the removal of small inconveniences, in the procurement of petty pleasures; and we are well or ill at ease, as the main stream of life glides on smoothly, or is ruffled by small obstacles and frequent interruption.
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When the power of birth and station ceases, no hope remains but from the prevalence of money. Power and wealth supply the place of each other. Power confers the ability of gratifying our desire without the consent of others. Wealth enables us to obtain the consent of others to our gratification. Power, simply considered, whatever it confers on one, must take from another. Wealth enables its owner to give to others, by taking only from himself. Power pleases the violent and proud: wealth delights the placid and the timorous. Youth therefore flies at power, and age grovels after riches.
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If an epicure could remove by a wish, in quest of sensual gratifications, wherever he had supped he would breakfast in Scotland.
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