Letters Written To His Son Philip Stanhope

Letters to His Son, 1750

In his seminal work, "Letters to His Son," published in 1750, Philip Dormer Stanhope, the Earl of Chesterfield, adopts an epistolary style to convey a rich tapestry of wisdom on manners, education, and the art of refinement. Comprising a series of letters addressed to his illegitimate son, Chesterfield meticulously dissects the social etiquette and virtues of the 18th-century elite, blending practical advice with philosophical musings. His letters serve as a reflective guide, intricately interweaving personal anecdotes and timeless principles aimed at developing the character and intellect of a young gentleman within an era marked by rigid societal constructs and burgeoning Enlightenment thought. Chesterfield, a prominent statesman and wit, was himself a product of high society, well-acquainted with the complexities of aristocratic life. His experiences as an ambassador and a member of the House of Lords provided him with keen insights into cultural nuances and the significance of polished behavior. These letters, though ostensibly paternal, reflect Chesterfield's broader concerns with societal comportment and the necessity of education in achieving both personal success and social acceptance. "Letters to His Son" is an essential read for anyone seeking profound insights into the social dynamics of the 18th century. Chesterfield's incisive observations and practical advice resonate across time, making this work not only a historical document but also a timeless manual for personal development. Readers will find themselves enriched by Chesterfield's eloquence and the applicable life lessons embedded within his correspondence.

Lord Chesterfield's Letters

`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.

Letters Written by the Late Right Honorable Philip Dormer Stanhope, Earl of Chesterfield, to His Son Philip Stanhope...