The Essays

Paperback / softback

Main Details

Title The Essays
Authors and Contributors      By (author) Michel Montaigne
Translated by M. A. Screech
Introduction by M. A. Screech
Edited by M. A. Screech
Notes by M. A. Screech
Physical Properties
Format:Paperback / softback
Pages:480
Dimensions(mm): Height 198,Width 129
Category/GenreLiterary essays
ISBN/Barcode 9780140446029
ClassificationsDewey:844.3
Audience
General

Publishing Details

Publisher Penguin Books Ltd
Imprint Penguin Classics
Publication Date 26 August 1993
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

A selection of Montaigne's highly original essays on a variety of subjects - from coaches to cannibals To overcome a crisis of melancholy after the death of his father, Montaigne withdrew to his country estates and began to write, and in the highly original essays that resulted he discussed themes such as fathers and children, conscience and cowardice, coaches and cannibals, and, above all, himself. On Some Lines of Virgil opens out into a frank discussion of sexuality and makes a revolutionary case for the equality of the sexes. In On Experience he superbly propounds his thoughts on the right way to live, while other essays touch on issues of an age struggling with religious and intellectual strife, with France torn apart by civil war. These diverse subjects are united by Montaigne's distinctive voice - that of a tolerant man, sceptical, humane, often humorous and utterly honest in his pursuit of the truth.

Author Biography

Born in 1533, 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.