An Essay on True and Apparent Beauty in which from Settled Principles is Rendered the Grounds for Choosing and Rejecting Epigrams

"An Essay on True and Apparent Beauty in which from Settled Principles is Rendered the Grounds for Choosing and Rejecting Epigrams" by Pierre Nicole is a philosophical treatise written in the 17th century. The book focuses on the criteria for evaluating beauty, specifically within the context of literary epigrams. Nicole delves into the nature of beauty, the principles of judgment, and the need for moral consideration in literary selections. In his essay, Nicole argues that true beauty arises from a harmony between external forms and the inner nature of both the subjects discussed and the audience that perceives them. He asserts that beauty should be stable and universal rather than fleeting and subjective. The work is structured as a guide for selecting epigrams that not only possess literary merit but also align with virtuous principles. Through critical examination of various epigrams, Nicole emphasizes the importance of sound, diction, and the truthfulness of ideas in achieving true aesthetic value, while cautioning against obscenity and falsehood in literature. His reflections on the nature of beauty serve not only as a framework for appreciating literature but also as an ethical guide for youthful readers.