The Complete Essays

A collection of classic essays from one of the most influential figures of the Renaissance

French philosopher Michel de Montaigne was single-handedly 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 Complete 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.

"Screech's fine version ... must surely serve as the definitive English Montaigne" --A.C. Grayling, Financial Times

"A superb edition" --Nicholas Wollaston, Observer

Author: Michel de Montaigne
Publisher: Penguin Classics
Published: 09/07/1993
Pages: 1344
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 2.02lbs
Size: 7.76h x 5.14w x 2.41d
ISBN: 9780140446043
Audience: Young Adult

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.