James Boswell is a well-known and colourful 18th Century literary figure. He is most famous for his biography of Dr Johnson, but he was also a master diarist who wrote an intimate chronicle of his life and experiences, notably his London Journal. The previous High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire is a descendant of James Boswell and established the prize as an opportunity for young writers in Buckinghamshire. Boswell Diary Prize entries are open to school-age students who live in Buckinghamshire.