The Complete Essays
  • Published: 1 January 1993
  • ISBN: 9780140446043
  • Imprint: Penguin Classics
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 1360
  • RRP: $45.00

The Complete Essays

Formats & editions
Paperback
1 Jan 1993
EBook
1 Jan 1993
Buy from…
Amazon Dymocks QBD Readings Your Bookstore Abbeys Boomerang Collins Find local retailers Find local retailers Fishpond Gleebooks Harry Hartog Kinokuniya Robinsons The Nile Mighty Ape

The range of topics and the careful consideration given to them by Montaigne is unsurpassed; he studies humanity through poetry, love and ectasy - but also through cannibalism and war-horses

Michel de Montaigne was one of the most influential figures of the Renaissance, singlehandedly responsible for popularising the essay as a literary form.

In 1572, Montaigne retired to his estates in order to devote himself to leisure, reading and reflection. There he wrote his constantly expanding 'essays', inspired by the ideas he found in books from his library and his own experience.

He discusses subjects as diverse as war-horses and cannibals, poetry and politics, sex and religion, love and friendship, ecstasy and experience. Above all, Montaigne studied himself to find his own inner nature and that of humanity. The Essays are among the most idiosyncratic and personal works in all literature. An insight into a wise Renaissance mind, they continue to engage, enlighten and entertain modern readers.

Born in 1533, Michel de Montaigne studied law and spent a number of years working as a counsellor before devoting his life to reading, writing and reflection. He died in 1586.

Dr M.A. Screech is regarded as the world's greatest authority on Montaigne.
  • Published: 1 January 1993
  • ISBN: 9780140446043
  • Imprint: Penguin Classics
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 1360
  • RRP: $45.00
Categories:
Share…

About the authors

Michel de Montaigne

Michel Eyquem, Seigneur de Montaigne, was born in 1533, the son and heir of Pierre, Seigneur de Montaigne (two previous children dying soon after birth). He was brought up to speak Latin as his mother tongue and always retained a Latin turn of mind; though he knew Greek, he preferred to use translations. After studying law he eventually became counselor to the Parlement of Bordeaux. He married in 1565. In 1569 he published his French version of the Natural Theology of Raymond Sebond; his Apology is only partly a defense of Sebond and sets skeptical limits to human reasoning about God, man and nature.

He retired in 1571 to his lands at Montaigne, devoting himself to reading and reflection and to composing his Essays (first version, 1580). He loathed the fanaticism and cruelties of the religious wars of the period, but sided with Catholic orthodoxy and legitimate monarchy. He was twice elected Mayor of Bordeaux (1581 and 1583), a post he held for four years. He died at Montaigne (1592) while preparing the final, and richest, edition of his Essays.

penguin pop image
penguin pop image