I was really glad when Lizzy proposed that we allow an extra week for #ReadIndies reviewing as, like many, I ended up reading far more books during February than I could squeeze onto the blog! And for my last review for the event, I was very keen to cover the wonderfully-named Pushkin Press, one of my favourite indies and a publisher whose books I’ve featured regularly on the Ramblings. They’ve produced any number of books I love, but during February I spent time with a very special title that took in two favourite authors: “Montaigne” by Stefan Zweig.
Both subject and author of this little book have appeared on the Ramblings regularly; Zweig is a wonderful author who’s deservedly been rediscovered after decades in the wilderness; Montaigne crossed my path more recently, and his work and life are inspirational (as are those of Zweig). So to discover that one had written a monograph on the life of the other was a real treat!
“Montaigne” is translated by Will Stone, who’s also appeared on the blog as he’s produced wonderfully rendered English versions of a number of books I’ve loved. Most recently, I read his translation of Zweig’s “Journeys”, which was fascinating and poignant; and Stone’s foreword to this volume makes sobering reading, as he reveals that this was the last book Zweig was working on before he took his life in 1942. Zweig took comfort from reading Montaigne’s work, hanging on to the threads of hope as long as he could; but in the end, the collapse of the civilised world he loved so much was too much for him.
… one of life‘s mysterious laws shows that we only notice the authentic and essential values when it’s too late: youth, once it has fled, health at the moment it abandons us, freedom of the soul, that most precious essence, at the very moment when it is taken from us, or has already been taken.
So in typically Zweigian fashion, the author explores the life and work of his great forebear and how it’s still relevant to the modern world. Interestingly, as I read through the book I found much of the biographical detail was familiar from my reading of Sarah Bakewell’s excellent book, so Zweig obviously did a wonderful job in encapsulating Montaigne in a much smaller work.
Only the contemptuous stand in the way of freedom, and Montaigne despises nothing more than “la frénésie“, the violent madness of those dictators of the spirit who crave with supreme arrogance and vanity to impose on the world their “glad tidings“ as the sole and indisputable truth, and for whom the blood of hundreds of thousands of men is as nothing in the fanatical pursuit of their cause.
However, what was particularly fascinating was seeing Montaigne through the prism of Zweig’s sensibility; much of the book is about his current experiences, how Montaigne’s words, writtin during a period of world conflict, resonated with Zweig as he was living through the catastrophe of World War 2, and how Montaigne’s life and work can stand as advice on the best way to stay true to yourself in difficult times. We are still in the middle of a particularly trying period of human history, one which Montaigne would have recognised as he lived through a plague era himself; and so reading his words brings comfort now, as it did to Zweig back in the 1940s.
Zweig’s “Montaigne” was a joy from start to finish; a beautifully written little book which not only brought to life the great essayist, but also gave me a glimpse into the author’s mind at that late stage of his life. Reading this little gem from Pushkin Press was a poignant, deeply moving and yet uplifting experience, and I’m so glad I chose it as my last book for #ReadIndies month (and a bit…)
roughghosts
Mar 05, 2021 @ 08:35:58
I read this years ago, and as much as I learned something about Montaigne, I have melancholy memories being as it was written at a time when Zweig was close to taking his life.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Mar 05, 2021 @ 10:17:12
Yes, that thread runs through Zweig’s writing. The fact that it was his last book, that it was unfinished, was always in the back of my mind. His death was ultimately so tragic, and you can see him almost trying to reason with himself in this book, to convince himself there is a point to life. So moving.
RussophileReads
Mar 06, 2021 @ 06:45:51
A truly horrible ending to a life, at such a dark time in history . . . I think Zweig’s suicide is a reminder in miniature of all the countless millions of tragedies that took place during that era. I am so glad that his words, at least, live on.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Mar 06, 2021 @ 14:14:20
It was – I find his suicide desperately moving, and I can totally understand his despair at what he saw happening in the world around him. It’s hard to hand on when you see freedoms and civilisation being eroded and so much of that is still relevant to us. As you say, thank goodness his books survived and have had such a resurgence.
A Life in Books
Mar 05, 2021 @ 09:16:21
I’m a big fan of Pushkin Press, too. Whenever I see Stephan Zweig’s name I can’t resist mentioning the plaque on the wall of a house I pass regularly on my walks proclaiming that Zweig lived there from 1939-1940, although whether it was weeks, months or the full year isn’t revealed.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Mar 06, 2021 @ 22:04:25
Ah, well if you’re down west, he did live in the uk for a while. In fact one of his stories is set there I believe! 😊
A Life in Books
Mar 07, 2021 @ 09:32:41
I’ll see if I can track that down. I’m in Bath where Haile Salessie also lived for some time although it’s Jane Austen who hogs the tourism limelight even though she wasn’t at all keen on the city.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Mar 07, 2021 @ 11:22:39
Well, the story is called “Did He Do It?” and is set in “a small village in the country near Bath”. I have it in a collection called “The Governess and Other Stories” from Pushkin Press, although it’s probably available in other collections. It’s not really typical Zweig but I absolutely loved it!!
A Life in Books
Mar 07, 2021 @ 12:14:08
That’s great. Thanks so much. I’ll put in an order today!
kaggsysbookishramblings
Mar 07, 2021 @ 15:28:12
Hurray! Hope you enjoy Zweig!
TravellinPenguin
Mar 05, 2021 @ 09:41:12
You read so many books I cannot keep up. The indies have all sounded good.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Mar 05, 2021 @ 10:14:44
I’ve been reading a lot lately – it’s my coping mechanism! There have been some marvellous indies – such fun!
MarinaSofia
Mar 05, 2021 @ 10:10:42
Two favourites of mine together – I can imagine just how special this book is.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Mar 05, 2021 @ 10:14:16
It really is. Zweig was such a wonderful author and he really does capture the essence of Montaigne, but also his continuing relevance, wherever and whenever you happen to be living.
JacquiWine
Mar 05, 2021 @ 10:46:32
It’s lovely to see Pushkin featuring in your #ReadIndies selection as they’re one of my favourite publishers. Bravo for the extension!
As for the book itself, it sounds irresistible – and I can understand why you found so poignant, especially given roughghosts’ comments above…
kaggsysbookishramblings
Mar 05, 2021 @ 19:51:25
It is, they produce some lovely books and thank goodness for the extension! 😀 Such a moving book – I loved it!
1streading
Mar 05, 2021 @ 15:24:03
I’ve read a lot of Zweig’s fiction but not much of his non-fiction – it’s maybe time I tried more of that (although I should probably start with his autobiography first!)
kaggsysbookishramblings
Mar 05, 2021 @ 19:30:17
I’ve yet to read his autobiography myself – maybe I should make that a big project soon!
Jane
Mar 05, 2021 @ 15:57:07
I’ve been waiting for this review since I saw it was your ‘currently reading’! I haven’t read either writer but I have Montaigne on my classics challenge list and will read this to supplement the essays. There’s so much to learn from their wisdom, the mysterious laws are so true. . .
kaggsysbookishramblings
Mar 05, 2021 @ 19:29:02
Ah, it’s lovely, and gives a window into both of their lives and thinking which is extra wonderful!
Julé Cunningham
Mar 05, 2021 @ 16:21:59
Beautiful Pushkin Press, I’m so thankful their books are also available here. They have carved out a special place for themselves with their combination of content and design. A great book to wrap up #ReadIndies with, I remember it being very affecting as Zweig probed Montaigne’s thoughts and his own.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Mar 05, 2021 @ 19:28:26
They’re one of my favourite indies, and this was a real joy. As you say, it’s the parts of Zweig which are revealed here which make it most poignant and moving.
heavenali
Mar 05, 2021 @ 16:29:03
Pushkin press do produce some stylish books. I can really see why this would be a poignant read for you, but a lovely one to end your #ReadIndies reviewing with. As you probably know I haven’t ever read Zweig, though I feel like almost everyone else has.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Mar 06, 2021 @ 14:15:14
They certainly do – I love their books! And I love Zweig so this was a wonderful read. He’s definitely worth exploring -maybe “Chess” (Story) would be a good place to start?
RussophileReads
Mar 06, 2021 @ 06:40:45
Okay, I HAVE to get my hands on a copy of this!! Pushkin Press always delivers the goods, and Montaigne is one of my literary loves! Thanks for such an enchanting review bringing this to my attention! 😀
kaggsysbookishramblings
Mar 06, 2021 @ 14:15:00
They do, and this is such a joy to read. Zweig and Montaigne are a perfect combination. And thank you for your kind words!
Liz Dexter
Mar 07, 2021 @ 17:25:05
What a wonderful parallel is drawn there and how poignant a read that must have been. Hooray for Pushkin Press as ever!
kaggsysbookishramblings
Mar 07, 2021 @ 19:43:08
It really was moving – I love both men’s work anyway, so to read about them in one book was a real treat! Pushkin are great!!
buriedinprint
Mar 12, 2021 @ 20:34:59
Even though I’m not sure I’ve ever actually READ one of them, I would always pick up one of their editions whenever I’ve spotted one on a library shelf or in a bookstore and every single one of them sounds interesting. Plus, they’re attractive and nicely bound. So many temptations!
kaggsysbookishramblings
Mar 12, 2021 @ 21:00:01
They’re a fascinating imprint – one of my favourites. And this was a real treat!