Francis Bacon revisited

de William A. Sessions · Publicada por primera vez en 1996

Sessions presents a critical and historical analysis of Bacon's writings, providing a deeper understanding of the meaning of Bacon's texts by analyzing Bacon's intentions and his literary and philosophical strategies. Framing his work around two leitmotivs dominating Bacon's writing - the world as it is and the world as it could be - Sessions masterfully demonstrates that Bacon's texts can be read both as "contemplative inscriptions" and as "instruments for the remaking of history.". This compendious study begins with a biographical overview of Bacon's life, and each subsequent chapter comprises a summary and close reading of a major work or a number of works by Bacon. Included are critical commentaries on Bacon's Essays, law texts, and historical biography of Henry VII; also covered are The Great Instauration, Bacon's philosophical text the Advancement of Learning, and his visionary New Atlantis. This concise, authoritative study presents both the crucial elements of Francis Bacon's life and a sharp analysis of his texts, encouraging readers to look toward the original sources for further study of this phenomenal thinker.