The History of England

The History of England is a book by David Hume, first published between 1754 and 1762. It is a landmark six-volume historical narrative that traces the story of England—from the Roman conquest through to the Glorious Revolution of 1688. Authored during his tenure as librarian at the Faculty of Advocates in Edinburgh, Hume utilized extensive archival resources to craft a sweeping cultural history. His work distinguished itself by including not only political and military events but also explorations of literature, science, and philosophy, offering a more holistic portrayal of the nation’s development. In its era, the work achieved remarkable popularity and enduring influence, firmly establishing Hume’s reputation as a historian before his fame as a philosopher. His style of moderate, skeptical reflection—neither strictly Whig nor Tory—offered a balanced lens through which history could be judged by the pursuit of liberty, rather than partisan triumph. The History influenced not only subsequent historians but also broader intellectual life, contributing to Enlightenment historiography and setting a new standard in cultural and political narrative. This classic history remains a foundational text for readers interested in Enlightenment thought, historiography, political moderation, and the evolution of British liberty.