Synopsis
The Works Of David Mallet.: Alfred, A Masque. The Life Of Francis Bacon by David Mallet. This volume comprises two major pieces by the 18th?century poet and dramatist: a masque, Alfred, a Masque, which dramatizes Alfred the Great defending England against Danish invaders through allegory and visionary counsel; and The Life of Francis Bacon, Lord High Chancellor of England, a biographical portrait that blends biography, history, and political commentary to chart Bacon's ascent under Elizabeth I and James I, his scientific program in the Advancement of Learning, and the rivalries and intrigues that accompanied his rise and fall. The masque unfolds across pastoral scenes, hermitic guidance, and a ceremonial resurrection of liberty and virtue, culminating in a triumphant return and a call to virtuous leadership. In The Life, Mallet surveys Bacon’s early education, public career, philosophical reforms, and enduring influence on science, while candidly acknowledging faults and the turbulent politics of the era. The work reflects 18th?century interests in biography, political philosophy, and literary history, presenting two complementary perspectives on power, intellect, and virtue.
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