Letters to His Son, 1751 : On the Fine Art of Becoming a Man of the World and a Gentleman

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Chesterfield, Philip Dormer Stanhope, Earl of, 1694-1773

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource : multiple file formats

Place of Publication:

Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg,

Summary:

"Letters to His Son" by Earl of Chesterfield is a collection of letters written in the early 18th century, particularly aimed at instructing his son on how to navigate the complexities of social life and politics. The correspondence embodies advice on becoming a well-mannered gentleman, emphasizing the importance of eloquence, demeanor, and social graces in achieving success in both personal and professional realms. The opening of the work introduces Chesterfield's paternal guidance and concern for his son's education in Paris. He advises him to network socially, engage with influential individuals, and refine his manners, focusing on not just academic knowledge but also the nuances of diplomacy and social interactions. Chesterfield stresses the significance of learning through observation in worldly settings, fostering relationships, and maintaining good character, while also underscoring the value of eloquent expression in communication. This sets the stage for a comprehensive primer on etiquette and success in high society that resonates beyond the era in which it was written. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Credits:

Produced by David Widger

Notes:

Reading ease score: 59.5 (10th to 12th grade). Somewhat difficult to read.

Release date is 2002-08-01