The Essays

By Francis Bacon

The Essays are written in a wide range of styles, from the plain and unadorned to the epigrammatic. They cover topics drawn from both public and private life, and in each case the essays cover their topics systematically from a number of different angles, weighing one argument against another. Though Bacon considered the Essays "but as recreation of my other studies", he was given high praise by his contemporaries, even to the point of crediting him with having invented the essay form.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookRix
• Release date: Jun 27, 2019
• ISBN: 9783736811195

Francis Bacon

Francis Bacon (1561-1626) was an English philosopher, scientist, and statesman. Recognized for his intelligence from a young age, Bacon would develop the empirical basis for modern scientific inquiry—known today as the scientific method—by promoting skepticism and observational experimentation as essential for the discovery of truth and the growth of human knowledge. A central figure of the scientific revolution and the Renaissance, Bacon was recognized as Lord Verulam and Viscount St. Alban during his lifetime and was honored by both Queen Elizabeth I and King James VI for his contributions to society. Bacon was also an accomplished statesman, responsible for drafting early legal documents and charters for the British colonization of the Americas. His career was not without controversy, however, as accusations of bribery tarnished his reputation and barred him from government service toward the end of his life and career. Today, he is remembered as one of the founders of modern science whose theories and methods continue to form the basis of all scientific experimentation and inquiry.

Reviews for The Essays

[stpnwlf · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

At times pretentious, at other times very insightful.

[whatthedickens_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Interesting discussions (approximately 16th century) on a hodgepodge of topics that were of interest to Bacon and relevant to the time. Many of his observations would hold up in present day debates on issues of the day with a philosophical approach.

[p_s_patrick · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

These essays were written about 400 years ago, and were probably the first "essays" ever written. Francis Bacon is often credited with starting off the scientific revolution, sometimes credited for writing Shakespeare's plays, and also of being a secret child of Elizabeth I, and he was involved with the Freemasons, and the Rosicrucians too. What isn't in doubt though is that a lot of his philosophy is still poignant today. My copy is second hand, and the previous owner saw fit to underline a good number of lines of particular interest. The thing is, he could have underlined a lot more, the book is full of wit and the serious alike. You probably wouldn't want to read this book from cover to cover in one go, but it is good to dip into. Some of the essays seem a bit outdated, but many of them are not. Bacon's New Atlantis, a short utopian novel, is a bit more interesting, but if you have any interest in literature from around this time, or philosophy, then you could enjoy reading this.