The Works of Francis Bacon, Vol. 3 is one volume of a multi-volume collection of the works of Francis Bacon. Sir Francis Bacon was a 17th Century English philosopher, statesman and jurist. Bacon's most influential writings concentrated on philosophy and judicial reform. In the 19th Century, publishers Spedding, Ellis and Heath undertook the enormous task of publishing the complete edition of Francis Bacon's works. The edition spans fifteen editions each organized by subject matter rather than by chronological order. Volume 3 begins with historical works on Henry VII and Henry VIII, followed by theological works consisting mostly of prayers and essays, and finishing with hundreds of letters which amplify the themes of the first two sections.

The theology section is most interesting, with Bacon identifying "The Characters of a Believing Christian," in an essay which begins "A Christian is one that believes things his reason cannot comprehend." In numbered paragraphs, Bacon identifies the paradoxes of religious belief, simply explaining why Christians do indeed believe. There is also an unusual booklet reprinted in the section, titled "An Advertisement Touching the Controversies of the Church of England," in which Bacon writes about the Marprelate Controversy. The Controversy was between the Puritans on one side and the Church establishment on the other side, arguing over the direction of the Church of England. Although Bacon had harsh words for both sides, he believed Puritans had become dangerous extremists who were responsible for the Church schism.

The letter section contains brief margin notes explaining the purpose of every letter. Bacon corresponded with everyone from royalty to church representatives and the breadth of his letters is impressive. Most of Bacon's letters are short and to the point, but some of the longer correspondences are beautifully written and full of sentiment for the recipient, such as Robert Deveaux, the Earl of Essex, who was Bacon's close friend. Essex was a close companion of Queen Elizabeth, and Bacon counseled Essex when the relationship soured. The letters are even more poignant given Bacon's later role as prosecutor at Essex's treason trial, after which Essex was executed.

Those who question whether William Shakespeare actually wrote the plays attributed to him often consider Bacon as one of the prime suspects for actual authorship. Conspiracy theorists will find plenty of evidence in Bacon's histories of King Henry VII and VIII as well as in the "clues" said to be embedded in the letters. The Works of Francis Bacon, Vol. 3 can be enjoyed as part of that ongoing mystery, or on its own as a work of major significance. Readers will like learning about the thought processes of one of history's great thinkers.

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