Montaigne, or The Anguished Soul: Translated by William J. Beck

Pierre Leschemelle has written a provocative study of Montaigne, one that follows the essayist’s clear command that we bring a strong psychological focus to his writings. Presenting Montaigne in a new light, one that is frank and honest, yet highly laudatory, Leschemelle has had the courage to re-examine former assessments of the writer. He has broken new ground in our fuller understanding of both Montaigne and the Essays, particularly the former, while still acknowledging the essayist’s greatness as a thinker, his insight and his ability.