1774 First Edition "Lord Chesterfield's Letters to His Son"

Item Details

A 1774 antique first edition, first printing, complete two volume set of the Letters Written by the Late Right Honorable Philip Dormer Stanhope, Earl of Chesterfield, to His Son Philip Stanhope Esq., published by Mrs. Eugenia Stanhope and printed by J. Dodsley of London. The work is also known as Lord Chesterfield’s Letters to His Son on the Art of Becoming a Man of the World and a Gentleman, and consists of over 400 letters written over a thirty year period, by which the senior Stanhope hoped to instruct his (illegitimate) son in morals, manners, politics, and academic topics such as history and languages. Some of the letters are in French or Latin, although most are in English, and English translations follow the French and Latin letters in this volume. Although the Letters were not intended for publication, they became popular in late 18th century Britain as a social guide as well as a reference on many topics. Tragically, the elder Stanhope outlived his son. Eugenia Stanhope was his son’s widow, who published the Letters the year after the father died. This edition is bound in leather hardcovers, with paneled spines and sewn bindings, and is printed on laid paper.

Condition

- to fair; detached front boards and loose back hinges to both volumes, with a few detached pages to the front of each volume, but the sewn bindings are intact. Cover wear and paper yellowing consistent with age, and light foxing to both and light water stains to the bottom edge of Vol. I, but overall the interiors are fairly clean considering age.

Dimensions

Item #

17CIN364-360