A Summer with Montaigne: Notes on a Man Without Prejudice

- Blurb -

In his writing and his person, Michel de Montaigne embodied the Humanist ideal. Hestands at the start of the French Renaissance in philosophy and literature. But whatdoes Montaigne have to tell us about how to think and live today? In forty short andlively chapters written over a single summer, Antoine Compagnon seeks answers tothat question. Compagnon and his subject are congenial, erudite companions. Bothare vivid reminders that while ever there are people willing to consider carefully,observe passionately, and speak measuredly, there is hope. A few years ago, Antoine Compagnon was asked to host a radio broadcast, every dayfor an entire summer, on a formidable subject: Michel de Montaigne. From thatexperience came this engaging and entertaining book, A Summer with Montaigne. Anintelligent and thought-provoking treatise in forty chapters that will introduce readers unfamiliar with Montaigne to his unique brilliance and remind those who already knowMontaigne's work of its vitality, force, and enduring timeliness.Compagnon breathes life into the musings of Montaigne, approaching his subject notas the recluse many imagine him to have been, but rather a multi-faceted individualof complex thought and astonishing analytical prowess. Once the mayor of Bordeaux,Montaigne was a committed spirit of his time, advising his powerful contemporariesand always in touch with the questions and concerns of the moment, of which manyremain pressing today. Composed over a period of twenty years, Montaigne's Essaysdeal with timeless themes. From the problems posed by religion, war, power andfriendship to the ridiculousness of our weaknesses, Montaigne's Essays remain amoving commentary on what it means to be a human being in any age.