The more they stay the same!

In 1740, Lord Chesterfield wrote regular letters to his son in Latin, French, as well as English. Many have heard of his famous letters, but alas, few have read them.

I say alas, because I think they are awesome. I reread all four volumes every few years. They read like a blog, with acerbic, formidably educated and witty commentary on all subjects of the mid eighteenth century— politics, culture, custom, relationships, the latest medical theory, literature, archeology and history— in several l...