Introduction

Montaigne’s Essays were republished in France every two or three years from 1580–1669. The Fortunes of Montaigne (originally published in 1935) aims to show what those who bought these Essays during that period sought or found there.

The author has attempted to answer three questions in the volume—what are the general ideas of those who are particularly drawn to Montaigne or who write against him?; what did these writers think of the Essays, and what specially interested them in the book?; and what did they borrow from him, or more profitably, what are their less conscious borrowings, their adaptations of his ideas? The book gives an account of the criticism and appreciation of the Essays. Further, it discusses the development of Humanism as opposed to orthodox Christianity, and the part played by the Essays in that development.

This book will be of interest to students and researchers of philosophy, history, and literature.