Tremendously influential philosopher (1711–1776) considered one of the most important figures in the history of Western philosophy. ALS, one page, 7.25 x 2, September 12, 1754. Letter to his friend William Mure, a Scottish lawyer and politician, in full: "I am sorry to be oblig'd to excuse myself to Mrs. Mure & you. The present Emptiness of the Town gives me the finest Opportunity for Study; and notwithstanding all my Purposes of seeing you, I am afraid I must delay it till another Season. Why are you not nearer the Town. To go backwards & forwards would almost consume a Week." Matted and framed with a portrait of Hume to an overall size of 14.75 x 17.25. In fine condition, with several vertical folds, and archival mounting tape lightly showing through from the reverse.In 1745, then a librarian to the Faculty of Advocates in Edinburgh, Hume began work on a book documenting the history of Great Britain. Encouraged by the success of the first two volumes, published in 1754 and concerning the reigns of James I and Charles I, Hume delved even deeper into his research. By the time the sixth and final volume of The History of England was published in 1762, some fifteen years and over a million words later, the book had earned bestseller status and Hume had become a wealthy and celebrated author. Hume remains exceedingly rare across all signed formats, with letters, particularly those written during such a significant period, of the utmost desirability.Format: ALS