Philip Dormer Stanhope Chesterfield Biography

Philip Dormer Chesterfield, the 4th Earl of Chesterfield, was an English statesman and author known for his wit and oratory skills. His ability to use tact and discrimination in governance made him the secretary of state, got him elected to The Hague as ‘ambassador’ twice, and appointed as the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. Lord Chesterfield was also instrumental in negotiating the ‘Second Treaty of Vienna’. He had such courtly manners that it often masked over his talent in writing and a distinguished career as a statesman. Being an active statesman, he loved taking part in debates and procuring valuable information for his government during his tours. His oratory skills were appreciated in the House of Lords. He was on good terms with famous people like Alexander Pope, John Gay and Voltaire. His famous writings were a series of letters written for his illegitimate son, Philip, and his godson. These letters, which he began to pen when his son was young and kept adding on, went on to become famous works of literature. He was criticized by eminent people such as Samuel Johnson who damaged his reputation with acrid remarks about his letters. The advice his letters carried did nothing, however, to make gentlemen out of his sons. There were other letters written to his lifelong friend Solomon Dayrolles that carry the wit and charm that is classic Chesterfield literature.