The Life of David Hume Esq. Written by Himself.
London: W. Strahan and T. Cadell, 1777. First Edition. Octavo : pp.iv, 62 : portrait of Hume engraved by T. Cook : contemporary marbled paper wraps.
Lacks half title and advertisement, otherwise complete. The paper wraps are considerably edgeworn and frayed; the spine is largely chipped with the gatherings exposed. The portrait is stained and there is some offsetting from the print to the title page which is chipped at the head and bears an ownership inscription in ink. The remaining leaves are toned at the edges, worn and chipped with a large open tear at the tail of p.23. Comment penned on verso of top cover reads, "A most admirable specimen of Autobiography to be met with in all literature. M.S." Item #3466
Written shortly before his death, Hume had intended his Life to be prefixed to his next published edition of his Works. The Life ends on p.35 and the rest is taken up with Adam Smith's letter to W. Strahan describing Hume's last days. [Jessop p.39].
Price: $1,500.00