A Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland

Johnson and Boswell’s classics of travel writing, presented together in a stunning collector’s hardcover edition.

When in 1773 James Boswell persuaded the great Samuel Johnson—then aged sixty-three—to embark with him on a tour of Boswell’s native Scotland, the adventure resulted in two magnificent books, Johnson’s Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland and Boswell’s Journal of a Tour to the Hebrides. Later published in one volume, the very different travelogues of this unlikely duo provide a fascinating picture not only of the Scottish Highlands at a turning point in its history, but also of the relationship between two men whose fame would be forever entwined.

Johnson offers a magisterial account of a remote and rugged land and of its people, whose traditional way of life, in the wake of the failed Jacobite uprising, was tragically under threat. Boswell focuses instead on the psychological landscape of his famously gruff and witty companion, throwing further light on the friend and mentor whom he later immortalized in the masterly biography that would make his name. Read together, the two accounts form a unique classic of travel writing, a brilliant portrait of two temperamentally different and very talented men exploring a feudal world on the brink of vanishing.

Everyman's Library pursues the highest production standards, printing on acid-free cream-colored paper, with full-cloth cases with two-color foil stamping, decorative endpapers, silk ribbon markers, European-style half-round spines, and a full-color illustrated jacket. Everyman’s Library Classics include an introduction, a select bibliography, and a chronology of the author's life and times.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs