Publisher Description
Here, in this unusual collection, are some of the greatest essays in Western literature. Witty, informative and imaginative, the topics vary from starvation in Ireland, fine China, the extension of railways in the Lake District, and the tombs in Westminster Abbey. A little like after-dinner monologues, they are passing thoughts expressed as journalism. Neville Jason reads with urbane clarity.
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About Michel de Montaigne
Michel de Montaigne (Michel Eyquem, Seigneur de Montaigne) was born in 1533, the son and heir of Pierre, Seigneur de Montaigne—two previous children having died soon after birth. He was brought up to speak Latin as his mother tongue and always retained a Latin turn of mind. After studying law, he became counselor to the Parlement of Bordeaux. He married in 1565 and in 1571 retired to his lands at Montaigne, where he devoted himself to reading and reflection and to composing his Essays. He loathed the fanaticism and cruelties of the religious wars of the period. He was elected Mayor of Bordeaux twice, a post he held for four years. He died at Montaigne in 1592 while preparing the final, and richest, edition of his Essays.
About Neville Jason
Neville Jason is an award–winning narrator, as well as a television and stage actor. He has earned seven AudioFile Earphones Awards and been a finalist for the prestigious Audie Award for best narration. He is a former member of the Old Vic Company, the English Stage Company, the Royal Shakespeare Company, and the Birmingham Repertory Company. While training at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, he was awarded the diction prize by Sir John Gielgud.