Classic French

I went into this not quite sure what to expect. The first two sections of the translator's introduction seemed very clumsily written, which gave me doubts. The third section was quite incomprehensible until I'd read some of the book itself, which gave me a better idea of what he was talking about. The fourth section was much clearer.

It took me a while to get used to the style of the Pensées themselves, which are preliminary jottings towards a book Pascal didn't have time to actually write before he died.

It got rather too much to read through. Although I finished it, I think it would be best kept to dip into every now and again. ( )

Pascal, Blaise, and A.J. Krailsheimer (translator), Pensees (Penguin Classics Series. Penguin USA), EEBO.
"In his short lifespan, Pascal invented the prototype of the computer (la machine arithmetique), started the first public passenger service in Paris, mastered a physics problem re the vacuum, expounded his scientific and mathematical studies with such an order of brilliance that it was considered by no means inappropriate to compare him with Aristotle, engaged in vituperative and extremely effective theological polemics with the Jesuits -- and, finally, in spite of appalling ill-health and pain, attained a serene relationship with God and with his fellows, in the process producing one of the great literary masterpieces of all time, viz., the PENSEES. This volume is a work of Christian apologetics before which the most skeptical mind, indulgent flesh, and arrogant spirit, stand utterly defenseless. Not too shabby an achievement in thirty-nine years and two months!" -- Reader Review ( )

An immortal book. Electrifying.

Started re-reading 11/25/07 and following. ( )

The classic work by the eighteenth century thinker.