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Updated: October 10, 2026
In taking up Montaigne's 'Essais' for perusal we are presently under the spell of a feeling as though we were listening to the words of a most versatile man of the world, in whom we become more and more interested. We find in him not only an amiable representative of the upper classes, but also a man who has deeply entered into the spirit of classic antiquity.
The welcome given to him by a great number of men is proved by the fact of the 'Essais' soon reaching their third edition, a rare occurrence with a book so expensive as this. We will endeavour to sketch the character of Michel Montaigne and his writings.
A book which has been very influential upon me fell early into my hands, and so may stand first, though I think its influence was only sensible later on, and perhaps still keeps growing, for it is a book not easily outlived: the "Essais" of Montaigne. The next book, in order of time, to influence me was the New Testament, and in particular the Gospel according to St. Matthew.
La Serre: Essais Hist. et Critiques sur la Marine Française. The question of attacking the English squadron at its anchors was debated in a council of war. Its opinion confirmed Suffren's decision not to do so. He was therefore right in not attacking, while the English before Newport were probably wrong.