The History of England from the Invasion of Julius Caesar to the Accession of Henry VII. [2 vols]. London: A. Millar, 1762. The History of England, under the House of Tudor. Comprehending the reigns of K. Henry VII. K. Henry VIII. K. Edward VI. Q. Mary, and Q. Elizabeth. In Two Volumes. London: A. Millar, 1759. The History of Great Britain, under the House of Stuart. Vol. I. Containing the reigns of James I. And Charles I. Vol. II. Containing The Commonwealth, and the reigns of Charles II. And James II. The Second Edition Corrected. London: A. Millar, 1759.

HUME, David

About this Item

First editions of the first four volumes (Chuo 47, 1-4), with the final two volumes in second edition (not in Chuo). 'Hume published his History in reverse chronological order, beginning with the Stuart monarchs (1754, 1757), moving to the House of Tudor (1759), and ending with the earlier periods (1762). The retrograde appearance of the volumes itself became a matter of discussion for several critics. Once finished, the volumes were republished as complete sets in the proper chronological order. Hume intended to continue his History past the period of the Restoration, but his plans were never fulfilled. He initially hesitated for fear that the "prejudices" against his former volumes had not yet subsided (Hume to Andrew Miller, January 14, 1765)' (James Fieser, Early Responses to Hume s History of England, Thoemmes Press 2003, xiv). PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: 6 volumes, 4to, with the half titles, viii, 424; viii, 446, [1]; viii, 402; iv, 403-739, [1]; viii, 464; [ii], v, 457 pp., uniform contemporary calf with contrasting labels (numbered in chronological order rather than order of publication), title labels renewed, some scrapes to covers and wear at spine ends, front joint of first volume cracked but holding, some other joints beginning to split at ends, armorial bookplates of John White, occasional light browning and spotting, a well-preserved and attractive set.

Seller Inventory # ABE-16449652076

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The History of England from the Invasion of Julius Caesar to the Accession of Henry VII. [2 vols]. London: A. Millar, 1762. The History of England, under the House of Tudor. Comprehending the reigns of K. Henry VII. K. Henry VIII. K. Edward VI. Q. Mary, and Q. Elizabeth. In Two Volumes. London: A. Millar, 1759. The History of Great Britain, under the House of Stuart. Vol. I. Containing the reigns of James I. And Charles I. Vol. II. Containing The Commonwealth, and the reigns of Charles II. And ...
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: Very Good
• Seller catalogs:
  • Philosophy: Hume
  • Philosophy
  • Scottish Enlightenment