Earl Of Chesterfield's Letters To His Son Published in 1810 in outlet London Black & White Engravings Antiquarian Leather Bound Book

A nice edition of an early antiquarian book entitled, 'Letters Written by the Late Right Honorable Philip Dormer Stanhope, Earl of Chesterfield, to His Son; with some Account of His Life' in Three outlet Vols., this copy; Vol. III, printed in London, by J. Walker, and many others, in 1810. The Earl of Chesterfield (1694-1773), was a British diplomat, statesman, and became well known as a 'man of letters' and his wit. The letters were written to his illegitimate son, Phillip, whose mother was a French governess, Madelina Elizabeth du Bouchet, over thirty years of correspondence with more than 400 letters, beginning in 1737 and continued until the death of his son in 1768.

The Earl of Chesterfield 'wrote mostly instructive communications about geography, history, and classical literature, with later letters focusing on politics and diplomacy, and the letters themselves were written in French, English and Latin to refine his son's grasp of the languages'. It was a 'handbook for worldly success in the 18th century, the Letters to His Son give perceptive and nuanced advice for how a gentleman should interpret the social codes that are manners'.

Phillip had two illegitimate sons of his own and when he died his widow Eugenia Stanhope sold the letters to a publisher, because of lack of funds after his death, although the Earl left annuities to both his grandson's even though they were illegitimate.

The hardcover book is covered in brown leather with a darker brown title label on the spine, which features the title in gold gilt. The overall condition is good for the age, the paper has discoloration, as in flypapers, and the covers and spine has wear, and measures; 2 3/4" x 5".

This wonderful book would be an interesting read, and a great addition to any library.

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