{"product_id":"pocket-oracle-art-of-prudence","title":"Pocket Oracle \u0026 Art Of Prudence","description":"\u003cp\u003eA unique collection of advice for life, Baltasar Gracián''s \u003ci\u003eThe Pocket Oracle and Art of Prudence\u003c\/i\u003e is a philosophical gem, and perhaps the first ''self-help'' book ever written. This Penguin Classics edition is translated from the Spanish with an introduction by Jeremy Robbins.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWritten over 350 years ago, \u003ci\u003eThe Pocket Oracle and Art of Prudence\u003c\/i\u003e is a subtle collection of 300 witty and thought-provoking aphorisms. From the art of being lucky to the healthy use of caution, these elegant maxims were created as a guide to life, with further suggestions given on cultivating good taste, knowing how to refuse, the foolishness of complaining and the wisdom of controlling one''s passions. Baltasar Gracian intended these ingenious, pragmatic aphorisms to challenge the mind, and recognised that few would be capable of applying them. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn Jeremy Robbins''s introduction to his penetrating new translation, he examines Gracian''s place in Spanish literature and his previous works. Robbins also looks at the themes, contexts and contradictions of \u003ci\u003eThe Pocket Oracle\u003c\/i\u003e, as well as the brevity and subtlety of Gracian''s cool-headed aphorisms. This edition also contains a chronology, suggested further reading and notes.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBaltasar Gracián (1601-1658) was born in Belmonte, Aragon and entered the Society of Jesus in 1619. Teaching in Jesuit colleges across the Kingdom of Aragon, he was also at one time confessor to the viceroy of Aragon and chaplain to the Spanish army. But it is as one of the great Spanish stylists and moralists that he is best known. He wrote a series of short moral tracts marked by their elliptical, epigrammatic style, as well as a three volume allegorical novel, \u003ci\u003eThe Critic\u003c\/i\u003e (1651-57). Published in 1647, \u003ci\u003eThe Pocket Oracle and Art of Prudence\u003c\/i\u003e influenced the vogue for the form in France, and was quickly translated into the major European languages. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIf you enjoyed \u003ci\u003eThe Pocket Oracle and Art of Prudence\u003c\/i\u003e, you might like La Rochefoucauld''s \u003ci\u003eMaxims\u003c\/i\u003e, also available in Penguin Classics.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MediaPlace","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57305575588222,"sku":"NW9780141442457","price":11.67,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0817\/1379\/1261\/files\/9780141442457.jpg?v=1778242948","url":"https:\/\/mediaplace.com\/products\/pocket-oracle-art-of-prudence","provider":"MediaPlace","version":"1.0","type":"link"}