At the beginning of 1829 Croker consulted Murray on the subject of an annotated edition of “Boswell’s Johnson.”  Murray was greatly pleased with the idea of a new edition of the work by his laborious friend, and closing at once with Croker’s proposal, wrote, “I shall be happy to give, as something in the way of remuneration, the sum of one thousand guineas.”  Mr. Croker accepted the offer, and proceeded immediately with the work.

Mr. Murray communicated to Mr. Lockhart the arrangement he had made with Croker.  His answer was: 

Mr. Lockhart to John Murray.

January 19, 1829.

“I am heartily rejoiced that this ‘Johnson,’ of which we had so often talked, is in such hands at whatever cost.  Pray ask Croker whether Boswell’s account of the Hebridean Tour ought not to be melted into the book.  Sir Walter has many MS. annotations in his ‘Boswell,’ both ‘Life’ and ‘Tour,’ and will, I am sure, give them with hearty good will....  He will write down all that he has heard about Johnson when in Scotland; and, in particular, about the amusing intercourse between him and Lord Auchinleck—­Boswell’s father—­if Croker considers it worth his while.”

Sir Walter Scott’s offer of information, [Footnote:  Sir Walter’s letter to Croker on the subject will be found in the “Croker Correspondence,” ii. 28.] to a certain extent, delayed Croker’s progress with the work.  He wrote to Mr. Murray (November 17, 1829):  “The reference to Sir Walter Scott delays us a little as to the revises, but his name is well worth the delay.  My share of the next volume (the 2nd) is quite done; and I could complete the other two in a fortnight.”

While the work was passing through the press Lockhart again wrote: 

Mr. Lockhart to John Murray.

“I am reading the new ‘Boswell’ with great pleasure, though, I think, the editor is often wrong.  A prodigious flood of light is thrown on the book assuredly; and the incorporation of the ‘Tour’ is a great advantage.  Now, do have a really good Index.  That to the former edition I have continually found inadequate and faulty.  The book is a dictionary of wisdom and wit, and one should know exactly where to find the dictum magistri.  Many of Croker’s own remarks and little disquisitions will also be hereafter among the choicest of quotabilia.”

Croker carried out the work with great industry and vigour, and it appeared in 1831.  It contained numerous additions, notes, explanations, and memoranda, and, as the first attempt to explain the difficulties and enigmas which lapse of time had created, it may not unfairly be said to have been admirably edited; and though Macaulay, according to his own account, “smashed” it in the Edinburgh, [Footnote:  The correspondence on the subject, and the criticism on the work by Macaulay, will be found in the “Croker Correspondence,” vol. ii. pp. 24-49.] some fifty thousand of the “Life” have been sold.