One of his most notable works is his
History of Scotland 1542–1603, begun in 1753 and first published in 1759. With multivolume history of Spain, Robertson was recognized by the Spanish authorities, and elected to Spain's Royal Academy of History. The work was translated in Spain, with extensive additions from archival sources to which Robertson had no access. A Spanish reviewer of the draft translation of the
History of America (1777) took issue with Robertson's claims and the translation was never published. Historian
D.A. Brading describes Robertson's history as "the first sustained attempt to describe the discovery, conquest and settlement of Spanish America since Herrera's
Décadas." His biography of
Charles V "provided a masterly survey of the progress of European society, in which he traced the erosion of the 'feudal system' caused by the rise of free towns, the revival of learning and Roman law, and by the emergence of royal authority and the balance of power between states. It was the development of commerce, assisted by law and private property, which was held to be chiefly responsible for the advance in civilisation." ==Later life and death==