Gilbert Burnet was encouraged in his love of books at a very young age. Though his dreams lay elsewhere, he entered the church at his father's wishes and was promoted to the station of Bishop of Salisbury. Nonetheless, it is through his writing that he is known and respected, especially his contributions to our knowledge and history of the times. First published in 1686 as "Some letters, containing an account of what seemed most remarkable in Switzerland, Italy, etc."
