John, Baron Sommers (or Somers) (1651-1716) was an English statesman, chief minister to King William III from 1696 to 1700. He went on to become chief architect of the union between England and Scotland in 1707. These "tracts" were compiled from his valuable collection of papers and manuscripts. The writing covers Britain's history during the Tudor and Stuart eras and comprises narratives, advertisements, letters, speeches, wills, drafts of acts, etc. A second edition was edited by Sir Walter Scott in early 19th century.