The Correspondence of James Boswell and Sir William Forbes of Pitsligo ed. by Richard B. Sher (review).

This volume presents the complete surviving correspondence between James Boswell, the Scottish diarist and biographer, and Sir William Forbes of Pitsligo, an Edinburgh banker and civic leader, highlighting their lifelong friendship and contrasting personalities. While Boswell struggled with personal flaws, financial imprudence, and professional setbacks, Forbes exemplified prudence, domestic stability, and civic responsibility, often serving as Boswell’s mentor and financial advisor. The letters, extensively annotated by the editor, provide rich biographical and historical insights into their lives, social circles, and eighteenth-century Scottish Enlightenment culture, though they focus more on personal news than literary or anecdotal content. This edition is part of a scholarly series and includes comprehensive notes, indexes, and cross-references, making it a valuable resource for researchers interested in Boswell, Forbes, and their era.