Letters to His Son
Letters to His Son
Nonfiction | Collection of Letters | Adult | Published in 1774
Book Brief
Letters to His Son
Nonfiction | Collection of Letters | Adult | Published in 177454
Collection of Letters • Nonfiction
18th century
1774
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Letters to His Son by Philip Dormer Stanhope, Lord Chesterfield, comprises a series of letters written between 1737 and 1768, offering advice to his illegitimate son, Philip Stanhope, on becoming a worldly and refined gentleman. Covering diverse topics like art, literature, politics, and manners, the letters reveal Lord Chesterfield’s intentions to help his son overcome social stigma and rise in society.
Informative
Contemplative
Inspirational
Challenging
Heartwarming
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Letters to His Son by Philip Dormer Stanhope, Lord Chesterfield, offers timeless guidance on manners, education, and society. Praised for its wit and insight, it provides a vivid glimpse into 18th-century aristocracy. Critics, however, note its elitist tone and occasional redundancy. Overall, a valuable social commentary marked by elegance and intellect.
Who Should Read Letters to His Son?
Readers who enjoy Letters to His Son by Philip Dormer Stanhope, Lord Chesterfield, are typically drawn to historical, epistolary literature rich in life advice and insights into 18th-century etiquette and society. Similar readers might appreciate Letters on the Improvement of the Mind by Hester Chapone.
Letters to His Son is a series of over 400 letters written by Philip Dormer Stanhope, the 4th Earl of Chesterfield, to his illegitimate son, Philip Stanhope, between 1737 and his son's death in 1768, providing advice on societal matters and personal conduct.
The letters were published posthumously in 1774, about a year after Lord Chesterfield's death, and initially caused a scandal due to their candid discussions and aristocratic tone.
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Despite being written for a specific person, Chesterfield's letters have been appreciated over the years for their insights into 18th-century British life and for providing timeless advice on manners and education.
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Collection of Letters • Nonfiction
18th century
1774
Adult
18+ years
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