severe application, the most extensive learning, the greatest depth of
thought, and a capacity in every respect the most comprehensive. Upon
the whole, I have always considered him, both in his lifetime and
since his death, as approaching as nearly to the idea of a perfectly
wise and virtuous man as perhaps the nature of human frailty will
permit.

I ever am, dear Sir,

Most affectionately yours,

ADAM SMITH.




CONTENTS OF VOLUME I



CHAPTER I.

The Britons.--Romans.--Saxons.--The Heptarchy.--The Kingdom of Kent--
of Northumberland--of East Anglia--of Mercia--of Essex--of Sussex--of
Wessex


CHAPTER II.

Egbert.--Ethelwolf.--Ethelbald and Ethelbert.--Ethered.--Alfred the