The Complete Essays (1580)

I rarely give up on books but i did so with this one. The writing is ponderous - the self-satisfied tone unrelenting. In short - brutal. ( )

This review refers to the 1958 Penguin edition (J.M. Cohen, transl.) of a selection of Montaigne’s essays (14 of book I, 6 of book II, 6 of book III); all essays of the Tilley & Boase 3rd edition of 1954 are also included here.

The translator gives a very readable introduction. In other respects it is the plainest of my 3 editions: annotations are limited to footnotes that provide the sources and translations of the quotations. Unlike other editions J.M.C. decided not to indicate the passages that were added in the two subsequent editions (of 1588 and the Bordeaux copy) to the first of 1580. I miss that: the additions let us follow Montaigne’s way of working, often adding quotations and vignettes, even digressions to the original text. (II-12) *** for this edition. ( )

These are the writings -- the 'attempts' -- that created and defined the genre.

Montaigne comes across as a tolerant man, interested in a huge range of subjects, from cruelty, education and friendship to cannibals and the custom of wearing clothes, but he always comes back to the necessity of knowing and understanding yourself.

My favourite chapter was 'On Vehicles', in which he discussed his travel sickness (with which I can truly sympathise, being extremely prone to it myself), moving on to a discussion of why it is not a good idea for princes to be too liberal with their subjects' money, the extravagances of the Roman circuses and the barbaric behaviour of the Spanish conquistadors in the Americas, before returning to the subject of vehicles.

Now I cannot stand for long - and found it even more difficult to stand in my youth - either a coach, a litter, or a boat, and I detest every means of travel except a horse, either in the town or country. ( )

It's by my bed on the bedside cabinet. that should indicate to all of you how much of a loved vade mecum this work is. Unparalled. ( )