The Essays of Montaigne

Essays is the title given to a collection of essays written by Michel de Montaigne that was first published in 1580. Montaigne essentially invented the literary form of essay, a short subjective treatment of a given topic, of which the book contains a large number. Montaigne wrote in a kind of crafted rhetoric designed to intrigue and involve the reader, sometimes appearing to move in a stream-of-thought from topic to topic and at other times employing a structured style which gives more emphasis to the didactic nature of his work. His arguments are often supported with quotations from Ancient Greek, Latin and Italian texts. Montaigne's stated goal in his book is to describe man, and especially himself, with utter frankness. He finds the great variety and volatility of human nature to be its most basic features. A representative quote is "I have never seen a greater monster or miracle than myself." <br> He opposed the conquest of the New World, deploring the suffering it brought upon the natives.

Author(s): Michel de Montaigne  

ISBN 10: 1105751074
ISBN 13: 9781105751073
Publication: 5/19/2012