The Essays of Francis Bacon were first published in 1597 and expanded in 1612 and 1625. In short, dense pieces, the statesman and philosopher gives advice on public and private life: truth, death, love, friendship, studies, ambition and many other topics. They are among the first essays in English.
Three editions
The first edition of 1597 contained only ten short essays. The second, in 1612, had thirty-eight, and the final edition of 1625 contained fifty-eight.
Bacon revised his texts each time, adding examples, quotations and new reflections.
Counsels civil and moral
The full title of the 1625 edition is Essays or Counsels, Civil and Moral. They offer practical wisdom for men in public life.
The tone is concise and aphoristic, and many of Bacon's sentences became English proverbs.
Of Studies
The essay Of Studies, already in the first edition, describes the uses of reading for pleasure, ornament and ability.
It is famous for its balanced sentences, which compare different kinds of books to food to be tasted, swallowed or digested.
Anecdotes
After Montaigne
Bacon borrowed the word essay from Michel de Montaigne, whose Essais had appeared in France in 1580, but his style is much more compressed.
The Lord Chancellor
Bacon rose to become Lord Chancellor of England in 1618, but fell from power in 1621 after being convicted of accepting bribes.
Frequently asked questions
When were the Essays first published?
In 1597.
How many essays are in the final edition?
Fifty-eight, in 1625.
From whom did Bacon take the word essay?
From the French writer Montaigne.