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''An Account of Corsica'' is the earliest piece of writing related to the Grand Tour literature that was written by the Scottish author James Boswell. Its first and second editions were published in 1768, with a third edition within twelve months. The full title given to the journal is ''An account of Corsica, the journal of a tour to that island and memoirs of Pascal Paoli''. The book is an account of Boswell's travels in Corsica during a period of military and social upheaval and his subsequent befriending of the Corsican independence movement leader, General Pasquale Paoli. The British involvement in the issues of Corsica included the Corsican Crisis, and the French involvement culminated with the French conquest of Corsica. The ''Journal'' contains a foreword in the form of a letter from the Right Honourable George Lord Lyttelton; the "''Account''" section details the history, geography and topography of Corsica, while "''The Journal and Memoirs''" section covers Boswell's trip and Paoli's memoirs. == Background == In 1765, after spending some time travelling throughout Europe on his Grand Tour, Boswell decided to go to Corsica. He had been in Italy for nine months but wanted to visit somewhere different from the destinations usually included by those undertaking a tour of Europe. Corsica appealed to him as a Scot, as he thought he would gain new experiences and learn more about a nation fighting for its liberty.〔 He had been encouraged to visit by Rousseau. While in Corsica, Boswell stayed overnight in convents and was hospitably treated. The locals were naturally courteous but some mistook Boswell for an "English envoy". The highlight of his visit was being introduced to Pasquale Paoli. In a letter from Marseilles in 1765, Boswell wrote upon meeting General de Paoli in Corsica: It was a dangerous time as occupational forces from France and Genoa sought to quell the rebellious Corsican independence movement which brought about the short lived Corsican Republic.〔 Before Boswell returned to London, he began to campaign on behalf of Corsica. Several letters were sent to the ''London Chronicle'', some of which were only loosely based on the truth. These continued to be distributed on his return to London; he also approached the Prime Minister William Pitt about it to highlight the plight of his Corsican friends.〔 This campaign helped keep the plight of Corsica to the forefront of the British public; Boswell further encouraged interest in the situation in Corsica by submitting letters from imaginary people purported to be soldiers, diplomats and such like. While this stimulated support, it also garnered interest in his book.〔 General Paoli exiled himself in London and was to remain a lifelong friend of Boswell's. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「An Account of Corsica」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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