Michel de Montaigne embodies the Humanist ideal. Curious, measured, contemplative yet not unworldly, witty, free of prejudice, and urbane. But what does Montaigne have to tell us about how to think and live today? In forty short, erudite and lively chapters written over a single summer, Antoine Compagnon seeks answers to that question.
In A Summer with Montaigne, Compagnon invites his readers to join him as he strolls through Montaigne's key contributions to our understanding of what is good and worthwhile in life. This engaging book, then, serves as both an introduction to Montaigne for readers unfamiliar with his work and a refresher for those who are already acquainted with his unique brilliance, vitality, and timeliness. Montaigne's Essays deal with themes that remain relevant today, from the problems posed by religion, war, power and friendship to the absurdity of our fixations and peccadillos. As accompanies readers through the Essays, Compagnon never pontificates and is never austere, rather he approaches Montaigne with a sense of humor, admiration, and joy.
Is this a serious and philosophical book? Certainly. But Compagnon never pontificates and is never austere. Many of the anecdotes he chooses allow us to approach the world of Montaigne with a sense of humor and, most importantly, companionship.
Praise for A Summer with Montaigne
"Rarely has Europe produced anything finer in terms of piercing analysis or moral subtlety. . . . This small book of 40 short chapters brings the man to life and shows his questions, ideas, and solutions to be every bit as relevant as they were in the 16th century."
-New York Journal of Books
"Nothing could be easier to read; these pages are to be savored like a little glass of pastis in the summer."
-Paris Match
"A lucid, joyful work that is no more serious than it needs to be."
-Télérama
"The clarity of Compagnon's meditations brings this towering French Renaissance man miraculously close."
-Elle
"Illustrates Montagine's 'art of living beautifully' while remaining as close as possible to Montaigne's Essays, lingering on its delicacies, and selecting the most enjoyable of its truths as well as its delights."
-L'Express
"A tribute to a classic author who is still well and truly in touch with the spirit of the times."
-ActuaLitté
"The clarity of Compagnon's analysis renders this once intimidating French Renaissance man miraculously close."
-ELLE
"This small book of 40 short chapters brings the man to life and shows his questions, ideas, and solutions to be every bit as relevant as they were in the 16th century."-New York Journal of Books
"Agreeably useful reading in any season; as Compagnon quotes from Montaigne's concluding essay, 'Aesop, that great man, saw his master piss as he walked 'What then,' said he, 'must we drop as we run?' Let us manage our time; there yet remains a great deal idle and ill employed.' Recommended for Montaigne scholars and general readers alike."-Library Journal
