I have a new review up on Shiny New Books today to share with you, and it’s of a collection of essays by the man who’s considered one of the foremost practitioners of the form – Michel de Montaigne.
I’ve read a number of books by and about the great author and he was a fascinating character. His essays are wonderful reading, ranging far and wide over subjects and drawing in inspiration from the classical writers. This new collection from Pushkin Press is a lovely clothbound hardback with a really interesting selection of pieces, all freshly translated by David Coward. The book is a real treat and you can read my full review here.
Lory
Mar 28, 2024 @ 08:56:07
I still have never read Montaigne…I think I need to at some point, this collection should be a perfect introduction.
mallikabooks15
Mar 28, 2024 @ 09:25:03
Lory, do also read Zweig’s bio of him if you haven’t–it was an excellent introduction to both subject and biographer, and gives one a good sense of his thoughts.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Mar 28, 2024 @ 17:35:23
It’s great, isn’t it? 😊
kaggsysbookishramblings
Mar 28, 2024 @ 17:36:13
He’s definitely worth trying, and a collection like this would be ideal (his complete essays is very, very long…)
mallikabooks15
Mar 28, 2024 @ 09:23:14
Enjoyed reading your thoughts on this one; it seems as you say a great place to begin, and I’m looking forward to picking it up from my TBR pile soon.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Mar 28, 2024 @ 17:35:44
Thank you – yes, a good way to get the flavour of his writing, definitely!
griffandsarahthomas
Mar 28, 2024 @ 11:25:39
Thanks for another inspiring and interesting post. I have read bits and pieces of Montaigne’s work but not whole essays. This sounds a very good collection – trust Pushkin Press to have another one for my wish list!
kaggsysbookishramblings
Mar 28, 2024 @ 17:34:24
Alas yes, and the modern translation is very easy to read. He’s such a fascinating essayist!
heavenali
Mar 30, 2024 @ 10:15:05
Sounds like an excellent collection. Well done for reviewing for Shiny and your own blog. It’s no easy task.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Mar 30, 2024 @ 12:29:49
It’s a great collection – I do love Montaigne! I do like to cover books for Shiny too if I can – depends on how life is going!!