
'My object is to have you fit to live; which, if you are not, I do not desire that you should live at all.' So wrote Lord Chesterfield in one of the most celebrated and controversial correspondences between a father and son. Chesterfield wrote almost daily to his natural son, Philip, from 1737 onwards, providing him with instruction in etiquette and the worldly arts. Praised in their day as a complete manual of education, and despised by Samuel Johnson for teaching 'the morals of a whore and the manners of a dancing-master', these letters reflect the political craft of a leading statesman and the urbane wit of a man who associated with Pope, Addison, and Swift. The letters reveal Chesterfield's political cynicism and his belief that his country had 'always been goverened by the only two or three people, out of two or three millions, totally incapable of governing', as well as his views on good breeding. Not originally intended for publication, this entertaining correspondence illuminates fascinating aspects of eighteenth-century life and manners. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.
This collection of correspondence investigates the pedagogical methods and social philosophies of an 18th-century statesman attempting to mold his illegitimate son into a refined gentleman. Lord Chesterfield, a prominent British politician and diplomat, utilizes these private letters to impart lessons on political strategy, social etiquette, and intellectual cultivation. The text serves as a primary source document that argues for the necessity of worldly wisdom and polished manners as the primary tools for success in aristocratic society.
What You Will Find
Scope Limits
Scholars and historians view this collection as a significant, albeit polarizing, artifact of Enlightenment-era social expectations. Readers frequently note the stark contrast between the author's sophisticated wit and his pragmatic, often cold, approach to human relationships.
Page Count:
484
Publication Date:
1998-01-01
Publisher:
OUP Oxford
ISBN-10:
0191605905
ISBN-13:
9780191605901
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!