Boswell's London Journal 1762-1763
This is the book that started the whole present-day Boswell-mania.
It covers the time from November 15, 1762 to August 4, 1763, beginning with his departure from Edinburgh, and ends with his last day in London before he left for Holland and his Grand Tour, not to set foot in England again until 1766.
We follow Boswell's fight for a commission in the guards, his affair with Covent Garden actress Louisa Lewis, his (declining) relationship with Thomas and Frances Sheridan, his reunion with his old chum William Johnson Temple and the beginning of his friendship with Samuel Johnson. We also hear of the gay life in London with Andrew Erskine, George Dempster and the 10th Earl of Eglinton, as well as his occasional depressions and a visit from Signor Gonorrhea.
The book is amusing and educating, and a great glimpse of life in society circles in 18th century London.
Boswell's London Journal was published by William Heinemann Ltd. in 1950. In addition to the standard hardback edition, a deluxe edition was printed in a stronger cover, better print and coming with a bookcase.
Another deluxe version was also published in just 1,050 numered copies, to which was prefixed Boswell's Journal of my Jaunt, Harvest 1762. This journal begins on September 14, 1762 and ends with November 14, 1762, covering his tour of southern Scotland to visit friends and family. This first journal is not available anywhere else.
It is a pity that the Journal of my Jaunt has only been published in a very limited number, as it is a great read, as well as a good introduction to Boswell's scottish background. Having read this journal gives greater depth to the London Journal.
The London Journal itself has been reprinted (and republished) several times, and is very easy to find. A paperback edition with forewords by Peter Ackroyd was published by Yale in 2004. The numbered deluxe edition (with the Journal of my Jaunt) has, of course, not been republished, but is still fairly easy to come by. Several copies are usually for sale via the AbeBooks used books search engine, with prices ranging from £40 to £160. Search for Journal of my Jaunt to exclude all the ordinary copies of the London Journal. Also, be aware that only the *numbered* deluxe edition contains the Journal of the Jaunt, whereas the un-numbered deluxe edition is really just a copy of the standard edition.
