Product Description

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.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #14048 in Books
• Published on: 2004-03-25
• Original language: French
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 480 pages

About the Author
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.

Customer Reviews

Life, The Universe, And Everything
De Montaigne withdrew to his estates towards the end of his life to allow himself to think and to read from his impressive library, noting his thoughts and opinions as he went along. He writes on a wide variety of topics, from Cannibals to childcare, from drunkenness to prayer. It is a very personal account, so much that it feels like a part of De Montaigne still lives through the book, and you understand him better as you read deeper into his work.

This is a book that could otherwise be dismissed as the ramblings of an old man, were it not for De Montaigne's extensive knowledge. He is erudite, intelligent, very well-read, and at times even witty, so it is a pleasure to listen to his thoughts and ruminations. There are some delightful diversions into anecdote, and many period details also - the contemporary understanding of pregnancy in particular leaves much to be desired!