One of the great minds of the English Renaissance, Francis Bacon was a scholar, politician, and early advocate of scientific thinking who set no limits on the scope of his enquiries. In these compact and vibrant essays, Bacon addresses an astonishingly diverse range of subjects including religion, politics, personal relationships, morality and even architecture. Evident throughout the volume is his considerable rhetorical skill, incisive wit, and an unwavering belief in the power of reason.