Edward Hyde, Earl of Clarendon

Essays Moral and Entertaining, on the Various Faculties and Passions of the Human Mind

London, 1815 — Complete in Two Volumes

Matching Full grained Leather Bindings with Gilt Decoration, including floral rules and patterned board edges & inner dentelles.

An original 1815 edition of Clarendon’s essays on human nature, conduct, emotion, religion, and public life, offered as a complete two-volume set in matching dark leather bindings.

Publication-

London: Re-printed for Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme, and Brown, Paternoster-Row, 1815.

Edited by James Stanier Clarke, with his printed dedication dated Carlton-House Library, May 22, 1814.

Text in English.

The author and historical background-

Edward Hyde, first Earl of Clarendon, was a central figure in seventeenth-century English politics. A Royalist adviser during the Civil War and a leading minister under Charles II, he served as Lord Chancellor before his political downfall and exile in 1667.

Best known for his history of the English Civil War, Clarendon also wrote extensively about character, conscience, religion, and the responsibilities of private and public life.

The photographed essays include headings dated Montpellier, 1668, linking these reflections to his years in France after leaving office. They offer the perspective of a statesman who had experienced civil conflict, political authority, court rivalry, and exile.

Subjects covered

The collection ranges from familiar human emotions to larger questions of duty, freedom, and belief. Contents include essays on:

* Human nature, life, and personal happiness.

* Drunkenness, envy, pride, and anger.

* Friendship, conversation, and promises.

* Liberty, industry, sickness, and patience.

* Repentance and conscience.

* The relative merits of an active and a contemplative life.

* War and peace.

* Sacrilege and the reverence due to antiquity.

* The dangers of multiplying religious controversies.

Clarendon combines moral argument with historical and classical references, considering how people govern themselves, deal with adversity, and participate in society.

The extended discussion of active and contemplative life connects the two volumes, continuing at the opening of Volume II.

Decorative 19th century bindings-

Uniform full dark leather bindings with gilt rules and a delicate foliate border around the boards.

The spines feature gilt floral ornaments, decorative horizontal rules, titles reading “Clarendon’s Essays,” and individual volume numbers. Gilt decoration also appears along the inner board edges.

The matching bindings give the pair a restrained, attractive appearance suitable for a collection of antique literature, philosophy, or English history.

Condition

Grained leather shows age-related rubbing, scuffing, and surface crackling, particularly on the spines and along the joints but remains supple. Wear and some scuffing are visible along joints, at the spine ends and corners. Covers all remain tight, and books are sound and well bound as issued.

Gilt borders and spine ornaments remain clearly visible, with some rubbing and fading.

Interior leaves are generally clean, with light uniform age toning, typical small scattered spotting, and occasional minor marks or inoffensive edge wear. The text remains clear and readable. Nice set with nice age patina from being handled and read.

Complete in two volumes. Both books are included as seen. Please examine the photographs for the bindings, title pages, contents, and representative interior condition.

each Book measures c. 7" H x 4 3/8" W.

B16173