ABSTRACT
Cobbett believed that his own success was due to his adherence to a few basic principles: early rising, exercise, sobriety, frugality and industry. is, rather puritanical, set of principles was re-iterated throughout his writings. In the second half of his career he wrote a series of educational guides on a wide range of subjects. He advertised this series as ‘e Cobbett Library’, with the frank admission:
When I am asked what books a young man or young woman ought to read, I always answer, Let him or her read all the books that I have written. is does, it will doubtless be said, smell of the shop. No matter. It is what I recommend; and experience has taught me that it is my duty to give the recommendation.1
