The History of England: from the Invasion of Julius Caesar to the Revolution of 1688 / Five volume set; A New Edition. with the Author's Last Corrections and Improvements. To Which is Prefixed, a Short Account of His Life, Written by Himself

Hume, David

Published by Longman, Green, Longman etc., London, 1864

8vo. Beautifully bound in full tan calf, with gilt-lettered morocco spine labels, marbled edges and endpapers, dentilled edges to boards. Early bookplate to fep of each volume. Steel engraved frontispiece. Some rubbing to extremities, and soiling and scuffing to boards (esp. to vol. V). The inner hinges of vol. I are a trifle tender, else all hinges and joints tight. The contents of all volumes are very clean, with little age-toning or foxing, save for off-setting to the title page of vol. I from the frontispiece. Overall, this is a sturdy, sound, handsome set of a classic title. David Hume (1711-1776) turned to history almost by chance, and after the greater part of his philosophical work had been done. After being appointed Keeper of the Advocates Library in Edinburgh, he had access to original and secondary historical sources. He published the first volume of this History (vol. V in this set) in 1754, which was roundly criticised by various commentators, each of whom appeared to be grinding their own axe. The second volume, published two years later, was better received. Subsequent volumes followed until 1762. Following Hume's essay on himself (composed shortly before his death, of which he speaks in anticipation), there is a letter about Hume from Adam Smith. Vol. V contains an extensive Index. Seller Inventory # 9900028206

Bibliographic Details

Title: The History of England: from the Invasion of...
Publisher: Longman, Green, Longman etc., London
Publication Date: 1864
Binding: Leather Bound