718J. Bacon, FRANCIS . (1561-1626)

Letters of Sir Francis Bacon, Baron of Verulam, Viscount St. Alban.written during the reign of King James the First. Now collected and augmented with several letters and memories, address’d by him to the king andDuke of Buckingham.Bacon, Sir Francis

London: Printed for Benjamin Tooke at the MiddleTemple Gate in Fleetwood, 1702.

$2,500

Quarto, 12 X 16.5 cm. . FIRST EDITION Signatures: A⁴ X1 b-k⁴ B-2Q⁴. “Epistle dedicatory”, signed Robert Stephens (leaf A2),IS wanting in many copies INCLUDING THIS ONE as it was cancelled following the death of William III. Cf. Gibson./ “The preface” signed “R.S.” and dated 14 Feb. 1701/2, Middle-Temple. Bound in its original paneled calf.

With a beautiful and large Armorial bookplate of Sir John Wentworth, 1st baronet of North Elmsall (1673-1720). (see Penn Libraries call number: EC65 L6975 699j)

Although best remembered for his contribution to natural philosophy, Francis Bacon (1561-1626) was an English statesman and philosopher who served as both Solicitor General and Lord Chancellor. After being made Solicitor General in 1607 and thereafter was at or near the heart of James’ administration, although high office was risky in a Jacobean administration and bacon would be impeached in 1621 and spend time as a prisoner in the Tower. This collection contains 149 letters written by the statesman, philosopher, scientist and author Francis Bacon. The editor Robert Stephens (1665-1732) was Royal Historiographer and one of the founders of the Society of Antiquaries. He spent 12 years editing theseletters. This copy like most is lsacking the dedication pages which were cancelled before the book was published on account of the death of William III.

Gibson, R. Bacon; 245;Pforzheimer,; 34; ESTC,; T88306 ESTC