James Boswell’s 18th century tour of Corsica

A detailed map of Corsica, published as the frontispiece to James Boswell's 'An Account of Corsica, the Journal of a Tour to that Island; and Memoirs of Pascal Paoli'. Boswell (1740-95), best known for his biography of Samuel Johnson, travelled to Corsica in 1765 to meet one of his heroes, Pasquale Paoli., who had led the rebellion against the Republic of Genova. When France invaded Corsica in 1767 (having 'bought' ownership of the island from the Genovese) Boswell campaigned on Corsica's behalf, even meeting Prime Minister William Piit, and sent money and arms to the Corsicans. However Paoli had to flee, taking refuge in England, where he remained a life-long friend of Boswell.