Author Description
This authoritative edition brings together an extensive collection of Bacon's writing--the major prose in full, together with sixteen other pieces not otherwise available--that reveals the essence of his work and thinking.Francis Bacon held some of the highest public offices in the land and in his spare time studied natural philosophy and a wide variety of other subjects. His systematic classification of all branches of knowledge became the basis for all later constructions, and his Essays are unsurpassed in their observations on society and human behavior. This extensive anthology includes the major English literary works on which his reputation rests: the Advancement of Learning, the Essays (1625, as well as the earliest version of 1597), and the posthumously published Utopian fable the New Atlantis (1626). In addition it reprints other works which illustrate Bacon's abilities in politics, law, theology, and poetry.A special feature of the edition is its extensive annotation which identifies Bacon's sources and allusions, and elucidates his vocabulary
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
This anthology investigates the foundational contributions of Francis Bacon to natural philosophy, political theory, and the systematic classification of human knowledge. Francis Bacon, a prominent statesman and intellectual of the early seventeenth century, utilized his experience in law and public office to critique the intellectual traditions of his time. This collection presents his primary prose works to demonstrate how his empirical approach and analytical rigor established a framework for modern scientific inquiry and social observation.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- The complete text of the 1625 and 1597 editions of the Essays
- The full text of The Advancement of Learning and the Utopian fable New Atlantis
- Extensive scholarly annotations identifying sources and linguistic allusions
- Additional writings covering law, theology, and political discourse
Scope Limits
- The collection does not include Bacon's complete correspondence or minor administrative papers
- It focuses primarily on his English-language literary and philosophical output rather than his Latin scientific treatises
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Scholars and students frequently cite this edition as a standard reference for its comprehensive annotation and accessibility. Experts highlight the inclusion of multiple versions of the Essays as a significant aid for tracking the evolution of Bacon's thought over time.
Page Count:
864
Publication Date:
2002-10-24
ISBN-10:
0192840819
ISBN-13:
9780192840813
Philosophy
Non-Fiction
Philosophy British
Science History
Classical
Essays
Community Tags
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