Mr. Boswell Dines with Professor Kant: being a part of James Boswell's Journal, until now unknown, found in the Castle of Balmeanach on the Isle of Muck in the Inner Hebrides; prepared for the press by a Gentleman; and made public by permission of the owner of the manuscript, the late Master of Muck. [With an introduction by "A.L.F."]

James BOSWELL

Published by Edinburgh: Tragara Press, 1979

About this Item

Plain wrappers, inscribed by the printer on the upper cover, "Mr Boswell dines with Professor Kant" and "Proof copy". Edition limited to 160 copies, this from the Tragara Press collection of Alex Bridge, with his bookplate and ownership inscription, 21 November 1983. Spoof Boswell journal written by Lewis White Beck (1913-1997), Burbank Professor of Intellectual and Moral Philosophy at the University of Rochester, 1949-79. "At 20 min. before 1 (Mr Green held up his watch, for the Company to see Herr Kant s scrupulous Promptitude), Professour Kant came into the room. He bow'd, & addrest me in latin: 'Corsicorum libertatis amicus, said He, is allways wellcome at my Table.' He apoligised, that he could not speak english. He said, that we might speak french, if we were willing to leave Dr Beck out of our conversation, or continue in latin, if we deny'd ourselves the Pleasure of Mr Green's talk. He paused, for me to chuse the language. He was astonishd, when I ingratiatingly reply'd in german. I said, that I hoped his Hochwohlgebohrenheit would excuse my errours, as it has been many years, since I have spoke german, in an educated Company. Herr Kant was complimentitive of my Ease in what, he said, all the world regards as an uncouth language, not meet for elevated conversation, & Polite Learning. I enjoy'd that sudden Glory, wc comes to me, when I am superiour to a company in knowing their tongues, they not knowing mine.". Seller Inventory # 32M100079

Bibliographic Details

Title: Mr. Boswell Dines with Professor Kant: being...

Publisher: Edinburgh: Tragara Press

Publication Date: 1979

Binding: Soft cover

Condition: Near Fine