Skip to main content

Manuscript of chapters 1-11 of 'History of England from the conquest of Julius Caesar to the accession of Henry VII' by David Hume., 1760-1761.

 File
Identifier: MS.23160

Scope and Contents

From the Sub-Series:

These are the final two volumes of David Hume's 'History'. Hume signed the contract for it with Andrew Millar on 27 July 1759; the remainder of that year was taken up with research; he began writing in February 1760 and completed the twenty chapters in April 1761 (dates are given at the beginning of most chapters); the book was published in November of that year, with the imprint date 1762. This is the original manuscript, with numerous interlinear and marginal corrections, and larger additions at the end of each chapter. Hume numbered the bifolia consecutively; another hand has paginated each chapter separately. Appendix 1 appears in its original position as chapter 4. MS.21360, folio 4 has been reversed in binding. Chapter ll, pages 19-22 and 27-38, and chapter l4, pages 13-14 (Hume's sheets 80 [second leaf], 82-84 and 112a) are missing. The printer has noted the beginning of each section of the printed text.

Dates

  • Creation: 1760-1761.

Conditions Governing Access

Normal access conditions apply.

Conditions Governing Use

Normal reproduction conditions apply, subject to any copyright restrictions.

Extent

169 Leaves

Language of Materials

From the Series: Undetermined

Arrangement

169 folios.

This is volume X in the arrangement established for the calendar of the papers (MS.23164).

Repository Details

Part of the National Library of Scotland Archives and Manuscripts Division Repository

Contact:
Archives and Manuscript Division
National Library of Scotland
George IV Bridge
Edinburgh EH1 1EJ
0131 623 3700