author
John Hill Burton
1809–1881
A lively Scottish historian, biographer, and man of letters, he wrote widely on David Hume, Scottish history, and public affairs. His books helped shape how 19th-century readers understood Scotland’s past.
3 Audiobooks
The Book-Hunter A New Edition, with a Memoir of the Author
by John Hill Burton
Life and Correspondence of David Hume, Volume 2
by John Hill Burton
Life and Correspondence of David Hume, Volume 1
by John Hill Burton
About the author
Born in Aberdeen on August 22, 1809, he trained as an advocate in Edinburgh but became better known for his writing than for legal practice. Over time he built a reputation as a historian, economist, and biographer with a gift for making serious subjects readable.
He wrote on a wide range of topics, including political economy and history, and is especially remembered for Life and Correspondence of David Hume, The Book-Hunter, and the multi-volume History of Scotland. Alongside his literary work, he also served in public office, including as secretary to the Scottish Prison Board and later as Historiographer Royal for Scotland.
Burton died on August 10, 1881. His work reflects the broad curiosity of a Victorian scholar: equally interested in ideas, institutions, and the personalities that shaped history.