The Essays

Categories: Literature & Fiction

Francis Bacon, the English philosopher and statesman, wrote these short essays between 1597 and 1625. They are among the founding works of the English essay. In compact, aphoristic prose, Bacon gives practical counsel on topics such as truth, death, revenge, adversity, ambition, friendship, riches, studies and power. Drawing on his experience at court, he offers a worldly view of how people behave and how to get on in life. Many of his lines have become familiar sayings.

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