Henry St John, Lord Viscount Bolingbroke

Letters on the Study and the Use of History

(1752)

Editorial note

Letter I

Letter II, Concerning the true use and advantages of it

Letter III
1. An objection against the utility of History removed
2. The false and true aims of those who study it.
3. Of the History of the first ages; with reflections on the state of Ancient History, profane and sacred.

Letter IV
1. That there is in History sufficient authenticity to render it useful, notwithstanding all objections to the contrary.
2. Of the method and due restrictions to be observed in the study of it.

Letter V
1. The grat use of History, properly so called, as distinguished from the writings of mere annalists and antiquaries.
2. Greek and Roman Historians.
3. Some idea of a Complete History.
4. Farther cautions to be observed in the study; and the regulation of it, according to different professions and situations of men: above all, the use to be made of it, (1) by Divines; and (2) by those who are called to the service of their country.

Letter VI, From what period Modern History is peculiarly useful to the service of our country, viz: From the end of fifteenth century to present. The division of this into three particular periods: in order to a sketch of the History and state of Europe from that time.

Letter VII, A sketch of the state of 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.

Letter VIII, The same subject continued from the year one thousand six hundred and eighty-eight.