Montaigne

Zweig introduces Montaigne, very affirming. Both continue to be relevant. Pushkin Press make beautiful books, just the right size.

Stefan Zweig is a master at getting the important information and presenting it in a flowing and easily understandablestyle. I recommend this short and informative biography to anyone interested in Montaigne,s ideas and his time. It can also make you nostalgic for influential writers who spoke up on behalf of moderation and common sense which seems to be disappearing in this generation!

To my ex-compatriots, Montaigne is a bit the equivalent of Mark Twain in this country: insightful, unpretentious, clever, quotable ... and not nearly as widely read as their fine reputations might suggest. His Essays require 1,000 to 1,500 pages, depending on the editions, and I doubt that I have read more than a third, even though I keep opening his book at random, always a rewarding experience that requires some effort. Stefan Zweig was extremely popular in Europe between the two World Wars and through my youth, even though few of my educated American friends have heard of him. He was a gifted and fussy writer, a remnant of those turn of the XXth Century writers who worshipped “belles lettres”, sometimes at the expense of depth of thought. I like both of them and I loved this elegantly printed little book. The only shadow was the reminder of Zweig’s suicide during the dark year of 1942. I wish he could have witnessed 1945.

Montaigne lived his entire life, during a period of religious wars and political upheaval. This violent time period had followed, all the celebrated achievements of the Renaissance. The book`s author Stefan Zwieg finds himself in a similar situation. Throughout most of the 19th Century, peace and prosperity rained supreme. Global economic growth and scientific advancements had been unprecedented. The optimistic start of the 20th Century quickly descended into global war and genocide. Zwieg wonders how he can cope, with this period of human insanity. Zwieg finds himself drawn to Montaigne`s essays. Montaigne is able to maintain his own humanity, despite France`s raging religious war. Zwieg finds inspiration from Montaigne`s example. This biography reviews Montaigne`s life. Zwieg points Montaigne`s life lessons and how they applied to the 20th Century. Well, here we are at the start of the 21st Century. We also seem to find ourselves, descending into a period of inhuman violence. Terrorist attacks and mass civilian shootings have become the norm. These horrible acts are getting worse and more frequent. This current time period also followed, an era of unprecedented peace and prosperity. How is a person to make sense of it all? This is the question Zwieg attempts to answer. This is an enjoyable and quick read. I am a huge fan of Montaigne`s work. Therefore, there is a personal bias. Stefan Zwieg, in my opinion, is also a great writer.

A beautiful edition of an excellent book about a great man. Absolutely recommended. Thanks, Pushkin Collection. Do not miss it.