| This dissertation is a literary biography of philosopher, courtier, politician, historian, and poet Lord Edward Herbert of Chirbury. As I investigated criticism of Herbert, his life, and his work, I found him much maligned and disagreed with many critics' assessments of him. Most characterize Herbert as a disillusioned failure, both at court and as a philosopher. Using his personal correspondence and philosophical, literary, and historical works to support my contentions, I argue that Herbert lived according to his own standards and, in doing so, died a success and therefore a model in the primary role of his life: courtier. He accomplished this by broadening the audience he courted to include those rapidly gaining power in England: Parliament and those ascending to it. By making this change, he was able to reconcile himself to the changing political, economic, and religious circumstances of his times and live a life of integrity.;Chapter One reviews Herbert's critical reception and outlines his philosophical paradigm, as found in De Veritate. Chapter Two presents Herbert's education or "received wisdom," particularly pertaining to courtiership, and his historical context. In "State Progress of Ill," Herbert questions received concepts, denounces performative aspects of courtiership, and questions monarchy as an institution. Chapter Three argues that Herbert's ambassadorship placed him at the epicenter of 17th century Continental politics. As James's courtier in France, Herbert believed he must fulfill three duties: his "appearance" must bespeak that of a courtier of James I; his actions must be and appear to be those of James I and represent England's best interests; and his advice must be clear, honest, and sound. Herbert's forthrightness became his undoing. Chapter Four contends that, to remain true to his understanding of a courtier's purpose, Herbert had to transform himself from the courtier of kings to the courtier of a broader audience. Upon returning home, he recognized that English society, economics, and politics were changing, driven by such factors as social mobility, increased literacy, and religious conflict. Thus, while still courting the aristocracy, Herbert broadened his audience to include those gaining governmental power. |
