Moral philosophy.- Elyot (Sir Thomas) The Boke, named the Governour, title within woodcut border, largely printed in black letter, woodcut decorations and initials, title a little soiled, modern calf, [STC 7642], 8vo, Imprinted...by Thomas East, 1580.

⁂ A nice copy of Elyot's enormously popular work, first published in 1531 and reprinted numerous times during the 16th century. Elyot, the son of a distinguished lawyer, was clerk of the Privy Council and was twice sent as ambassador to the Emperor Charles V. This is arguably the first work in recognisably modern English prose, to which Elyot added many new words. It provided influential advocacy for the study of the classics, from which he quotes extensively. But it was popular largely because of the current vogue for its subject - it is a treatise on moral philosophy, laying down the lines on which the education of those destined to govern should be directed, and inculcating the high moral principles which should rule them in the performance of their duties. It remained a textbook for behaviour for generations and had a lasting effect on the writing of English.