Essays

Description

The essays are a reflection of Montaigne’s philosophy, his interests and learning. They describe humans, particularly Montaigne himself, and he expressed his thoughts freely through his essays. His essays explore subjects as diverse as war-horses and cannibals, poetry and politics, sex and religion, love and friendship, ecstasy, and experience. Montaigne is associated with establishing the essay as a recognised genre in literature, and was the first person to use the word ‘essay’ to describe his writings.