Synopses & Reviews
In his writings, David Hume set out to bridge the gap between the learned world of the academy and the marketplace of polite society. This collection, drawing largely on his
Essays Mortal, Political, and Literary (1776 edition), comprehensively shows how far he succeeded.
As seen in these selections, Hume embraces a staggering range of social, cultural, political, demographic, and historical concerns, charting the state of civil society, manners, morals, and taste, and the development of political economy in the mid-eighteenth century. These essays represent not only those areas where Hume's arguments representative of his age, but also where he is strikingly innovative.
About the Series: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the broadest spectrum of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, voluminous notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.
Review
"Good selection, printing and price."--Martin Weatherston, East Stroudsburg University
Table of Contents
Introduction
Note on the Text
Select Bibliography
Chronology
Of Essay Writing
Of the Middle Station of Life
Of the Delicacy of Taste and Passion
That Politics may be Reduced to a Science
Of the First Principles of Government
Of the Origin of Government
Of the Parties of Great Britain
Of Superstition and Enthusiasm
Of the Dignity or Meanness of Human Nature
Of Civil Liberty
Of the Rise and Progress of the Arts and Sciences
The Epicurean
The Stoic
The Platonist
The Sceptic
Of National Characters
Of Tragedy
Of the Standard of Taste
Of Commerce
Of Refinement in the Arts
Of Interest
Of the Balance of Trade
Of Public Credit
Of Some Remarkable Customs
Of the Populousness of Ancient Nations
Of the Original Contract
Of the Protestant Succession
Idea of a Perfect Commonwealth
On Suicide
On the Immortality of the Soul