St. John, Henry, Lord Viscount Bolingbroke. Letters on the Study and Use of History (2 volume set). London: Printed for A. Millar, in the Strand, 1752. [10894]
Two volumes sometime rebound in modern brown buckram, ex library with bookplates stamped "withdrawn," remnants and scuff marks from removed spine labels. 8 x 5 inches, [iv], 315, [iv], 286, [iv] generally clean pages, some infrequent pencil marks, tight. Both half-titles are present; 4 pp. Contents at the end of vol. ii. Good. Hardcover.
This work was seen, in it's day, as a bold attack on the Bible, for he discredits the veracity of the historical books contained therein.
Contents:
I - Of the study of history;
II - Concerning the true use and advantage of it;
III - An objection against the utility of history removed; The false and true aims of those who study it; Of the history of the first ages, with reflections on the state of ancient history, prophane and sacred;
IV - That there is in history, sufficient authenticity to render it useful, notwithstanding all objections to the contrary; Of the method and due restrictions to be used in the study of it.
V - The great use of history, properly so called, as distinguished from the writings of mere annalists and antiquaries; Greek and Roman historians; Some idea of a complete history; Further cautions to be observed in this study, and the regulation of it according to the different professions, and situations of men: above all, the use to be made of it by divines, and by those who are called to the service of their country.
VI - From what period modern history is peculiarly useful to the service of our country, viz. From the end of the fifteenth century to the present. The division of this into three particular periods: In order to a sketch of the history and state of Europe from that time.
VII - A sketch of the state and history of Europe from the Pyrenean treaty in one thousand six hundred and fifty-nine, to the year one thousand six hundred and eighty-eight;
VIII - The same subject continued from the year one thousand six hundred eighty eight; I - A plan for a general History of Europe; II - Of the true use of retirement and study; III - Reflections upon Exile.
Henry Saint John, First Lord Viscount Bolingbroke (1678-1751), prominent Tory politician and a major political propagandist in opposition ot the Whig Party. His entrance into Parliament was sensational and he soon gained a reputation for his superb oratory in support of Tory measures, and for his attacks on the Protestant Dissenters. In 1704 he was made Secretary of War and in 1710 he became norther secretary of state. He was dismissed by George I. and the failure of the Jacobite rebellion (upon which he had pinned his hopes) left him with few allies and fewer friends. He fled to France and the British government seized his property and deprived him of his civil liberties. He was pardoned in 1723 and returned to England in 1725. He continued his opposition to the Whigs by contributing to the press within the literary circle that included Jonathan Swift, Alexander Pole, and John Gay, writing on English history and politics.
"Bolingbroke as also a historian of some talent. Intelligent and widely read, he was also noted for his handsome appearance, graceful manners, and brilliant conversation. Clear and forceful in speech and in print and imperious in temperament, he captivated some fo the finest minds of his age." - Britannica online.
