Emerson (history, University of Western Ontario, emeritus) draws on his years of research to write this study on aspects of the Scottish Enlightenment. The central articles concern David Hume, beacon of that enlightenment. Emerson treats particularly Hume's histories and views of political economy as well as discussing Hume's intellectual development in a broader sense than earlier commentators. Other articles look at the Scottish Enlightenment from participants, such as the Duke of Argyll and medical students, to general studies on the Enlightenment and how it related to events in Europe rather than England. Many of the essays are revisions of papers delivered or published elsewhere, but the book as a whole flows well, alternating between specific issues and the larger worldviews. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)