Bacon published his collection of essays, "Essays", in 1597. They were short, philosophical pieces exploring various topics and were influential in shaping the form of the essay.
However, it's important to note that:
* Earlier writings in English might have had elements of essays: Writers like Sir Thomas More and Thomas Elyot produced works with themes and styles resembling modern essays.
* The definition of an essay is fluid: What constitutes an essay has evolved over time, so attributing the "first" can be subjective.
Therefore, while Bacon is widely considered the pioneer of English essays, it's essential to acknowledge the influence of earlier writers and the ongoing evolution of the genre.