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Michel de Montaigne, one of the foremost writers of the French Renaissance and the originator of the genre of the essay, wrote on subjects ranging from friendship to imagination, from language to conscience. This collection includes 22 of Montaigne's essays, including "Of Prognostications," "Of the Custom of Wearing Clothes," "Of Pedantry," and "Of Friendship." Throughout Montaigne's writing, he approaches his subject matter with rationality and skepticism, constantly searching for truth and inquiring into the nature of the human character. Montaigne's essays have been widely read since their first publication by such great writers as Shakespeare and Ralph Waldo Emerson and continue to resonate for modern audiences. This edition is the translation by Charles Cotton.

Public Domain (P)2011 Tantor Essays History Philosophy Nonfiction Middle Ages Friendship Ancient History Renaissance
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“My kingdom for a horse,” is just one of the many familiar motifs that come shining through this volume of selected essays. Very disparate and, it must be said, of varying interest, the quality of the writing and translations are always excellent. de Montaigne informs so much of what is now English literature and the style and type of what we now know as ‘non-fiction’ literature, it is really good to go back to the very basics of this genre. A really enjoyable read and not just for the occasional brilliant insights and familiar flashes that illuminate the pages.

If you read The Guardian, you’ve got to read this

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