Francis Bacon was born in 1561, as the youngest son of the Lord Keeper of the Seal and Lady Anne Cooke, a classicist. This upbringing resulted in Bacon's solid education, and eventually his own experiences within the political realm.

 

After the passing of his father when he was only 18, Francis was left with nothing, and eventually went on to become a lawyer at the age of 23. His first book on politics was published in 1584, and he was awarded "a seat in the House of Commons (the lower level of Parliament)."

 

Winning the affections of Queen Elizabeth following the prosecution of the Earl of Essex, her former lover, Bacon's praise and influence only grew with the appointment of James I as king in 1603. Bacon was awarded the honor of attorney general, lord keeper of the seal (like his father), and chancellor in 1618.

 

Accused of being an unethical politician in 1621, Bacon was convicted of "taking gifts improperly", resulting in imprisonment, as well as a fine and a barr from ever holding public office again. 

 

Although barred from politics, Bacon's influence regarding his writings on rhetoric, epistemology, and langauge proved to be his lasting legacy, as he turned to philosophic and scientific inquiry. His substantial education, paired with a visionary mind is to thank for his lasting rhetorical contributions.