To know when to let things alone is a high pitch of good sense. George Savile Marquess of
Halifax was among the greatest statesmen of late seventeenth-century England and was a central
figure in the Glorious Revolution of 1688. His pursuit of moderation during a time of fierce
political controversy earned him the nickname The Trimmer. Halifax took this intended insult as
a badge of honour arguing that all good things trim between extremes and exist healthily
between varieties of excess. His pamphlets published anonymously during his lifetime make the
case for moderate and pragmatic action rooted in caution and compromise. They stand as an
abiding critique of extremism and political tribalism. Halifaxs works on the nature of politics
rest upon a practical and extensive experience of government. His detached and often jaded view
of life lends a markedly distinctive quality to his thoughts on government political parties
morality marriage and the human condition in general. This edition presents Halifaxs
published works including his political testament The Character of a Trimmer a remarkable
sketch of the character of King Charles II and various sets of Thoughts and Reflections . An
introductory essay sets Halifaxs work within the context of his time and emphasizes the
continuing relevance of his thought.
