The Essays or Councils, Civil and Moral of Sir Francis Bacon

The Essays, or Councils, Civil and Moral, of Sir Francis Bacon, Lord Verulam, Viscount St. Alban. By Sir Francis Bacon. Published by H. Clark for J. Walthoe, London, in 1718.

Full Title: The Essays, or Councils, Civil and Moral, of Sir Francis Bacon, Lord Verulam, Viscount St. Alban. With a table of the Colours of Good and Evil. And a Discourse of the Wisdom of the Ancients. To Which is Added, The Character of Queen Elizabeth.

In English. Printed printed by H. Clark, for J. Walthoe, Tim Childe, G. Sawbridge, Benj. Took, Dan. Midwinter, Jacob Tonson, R. Wellington, W. Innys, Benj. Cowse, London, 1718. Early Edition. Three books in one volume; 167 pp. vi, 21 pp. x, and 102 pp. respectively. Verified complete by WorldCat. Bound in Cambridge-style full calf. Spine skillfully rebacked in period-style leather. New, bright gilt lettering on maroon label. Five raised bands. Minor wear to boards, corners negligibly worn. Pastedowns and endpapers free from ownership markings or foxing, but with some minor offsetting from binder’s glue used for turn-ins. Text just slightly toned with occasional rust spots, but otherwise fresh, clean, and an altogether agreeable copy internally. Overall, a fine and handsome copy in very good+ condition.  7 ¾ x 5 in.

Francis Bacon was an English philosopher and statesman who served as Attorney General and as Lord Chancellor of England. His works are credited with developing the scientific method and remained influential through the scientific revolution. Written in a wide range of styles, from the plain and unadorned to the epigrammatic. These books cover topics drawn from both his public and private life. Once opined, “these Essays alone are sufficient to immortalize the Name of Bacon. They have many profound observations, many beautiful turns of wit.”