Description
Book Synopsis: Michel de Montaigne was one of the most influential figures of the Renaissance, singlehandedly responsible for popularising the essay as a literary form. This Penguin Classics edition of The Complete Essays is translated from the French and edited with an introduction and notes by M.A. Screech.
In 1572 Montaigne retired to his estates in order to devote himself to leisure, reading and reflection. There he wrote his constantly expanding 'assays', inspired by the ideas he found in books contained in his library and from 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. But, above all, Montaigne studied himself as a way of drawing out his own inner nature and that of men and women in general.
The Essays are among the most idiosyncratic and personal works in all literature and provide an engaging insight into a wise Renaissance mind, continuing to give pleasure and enlightenment to modern readers. With its extensive introduction and notes, M.A. Screech's edition of Montaigne is widely regarded as the most distinguished of recent times.
Michel de Montaigne (1533-1586) studied law and spent a number of years working as a counsellor before devoting his life to reading, writing and reflection. If you enjoyed The Complete Essays, you might like Francois Rabelais's Gargantua and Pantagruel, also available in Penguin Classics.
'Screech's fine version ... must surely serve as the definitive English Montaigne' A.C. Grayling, Financial Times
'A superb edition' Nicholas Wollaston, Observer
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Looking for an enlightening and captivating read? Look no further than Michel de Montaigne's The Complete Essays. As one of the most influential figures of the Renaissance, Montaigne popularized the essay as a literary form, and this Penguin Classics edition brings his timeless wisdom to modern readers. Translated from the original French and expertly edited with an introduction and notes by M.A. Screech, this edition is regarded as the most distinguished of recent times.
Step into Montaigne's world as he explores a wide range of subjects, from war-horses and cannibals to poetry and politics, sex and religion, love and friendship, and so much more. His essays provide an intimate and idiosyncratic glimpse into his own inner nature, as well as the nature of humanity in general. Through his reflections and experiences, Montaigne invites readers to question, reflect, and gain new perspectives.
Whether you're a fan of Renaissance literature, a lover of philosophical discussions, or simply seeking intellectual stimulation, The Complete Essays is a must-read. Montaigne's captivating writing style and his ability to seamlessly blend personal anecdotes with deeper philosophical insights make this book a pleasure to read. Lose yourself in Montaigne's insightful words and discover a wise Renaissance mind that continues to impact readers to this day.
If you enjoy The Complete Essays, you won't want to miss out on another Penguin Classics classic – Francois Rabelais's Gargantua and Pantagruel. Expand your literary collection and immerse yourself in the works of these brilliant Renaissance authors.
Take a journey through the mind of Michel de Montaigne and unearth the joys of self-reflection, enlightenment, and intellectual stimulation. Embrace the wisdom of the Renaissance and order your copy of The Complete Essays today!
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