Essays and Treatises on Several Subjects.

London: Printed For T. Cadell; A. Donaldson and W. Creech, Edinburgh,, 1777. The culminating statement of Hume's philosophy The author's definitive edition, among his final completed works, and the source of both his famous rejection of the Treatise of Human Nature as "that juvenile work" and his contention that "the following pieces may alone be regarded as containing his philosophical sentiments and principles" (vol. II, p. [iii]). This edition includes the first printing of the essay "Of the Origin of Government". A capacious work, the Essays collects Hume's major writings on epistemology, politics, religion, psychology, economics, and morality. It was Hume's essays, rather than his lengthier treatises, which brought him popular acclaim and commercial success: they were able to "draw attention to his philosophy in a format which for the first time was both accessible and calculated to encourage sales" (ODNB). The Essays and Treatises was originally published as a cheap duodecimo edition in 1753 by Hume's publisher, without his authorization. Despite this, Hume went on to revise various editions of the work over the next two decades. Although this edition was the first to be published after Hume's death in 1776, he worked on it in the last weeks of his life, submitting the final corrections a fortnight before his death on 25 August. Two volumes, octavo (221 x 132 mm). Early 19th-century half calf, spines ruled in gilt and with six compartments, lettered in gilt and with floral pattern tooled in blind, marbled sides, red sprinkled edges. Light bumping and wear, minor foxing throughout: a very good copy. ESTC T33493; Jessop, p. 7.