Exposé succinct de la contestation qui s'est élevée entre M. Hume et M. Rousseau, avec les pieces justificatives. A Londres [Paris], 1766.

HUME, David

About this Item

Original first edition, printed in Paris (not one of the counterfeits from the same year printed in London and Yverdon). 'In 1766 Hume was involved in a public controversy with Jean Jacques Rousseau. The controversial nature of Rousseau's writings on the continent made him unwelcome there, and Hume arranged for him to take refuge in England. After Horace Walpole and other British literati humiliated Rousseau publicly, the Swiss philosopher accused Hume of participation and threatened to go public with the accusation. Hume responded pre-emptively by publishing a defence of his conduct along with correspondence relating to the affair. The work was translated into French by Jean-Baptiste-Antoine Suard (1734 1817); it was then re-translated back into English for a single publication in that language, as 'A Concise and Genuine Account of the Dispute between Mr. Hume and Mr. Rousseau'. Prior to publication, King George III read the manuscripts. Hume sent the manuscripts to the British Museum, requesting that they be housed there, but the curators did not think it proper to give them place (Hume to Richard Penneck, October 29, 1767)' - A Bibliography of Hume's Writings and Early Responses, James Fieser, 17 (A), 4. Chuo 77. PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: 12mo, xiv, 127, pp., contemporary vellum, slightly marked, gilt spine lettering, unbrowned and only isolated spots, a nice copy.

Seller Inventory # ABE-1590260954425

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Exposé succinct de la contestation qui s'est élevée entre M. Hume et M. Rousseau, avec les pieces justificatives. A Londres [Paris], 1766.
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: Near Fine
• Seller catalogs:
  • Philosophy: Hume
  • Philosophy
  • Scottish Enlightenment