The Complete Essays of Montaigne (Unabridged)
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4.0 • 2 Ratings
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- £17.99
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- £17.99
Publisher Description
“A faithful translation is rare; a translation which preserves intact the original text is very rare; a perfect translation of Montaigne appears impossible. Yet Donald Frame has realized this feat. One does not seem to be reading a translation, so smooth and easy is the style; at each moment, one seems to be listening to Montaigne himself - the freshness of his ideas, the unexpected choice of words. Frame has kept everything.” (Andre Maurois, The New York Times Book Review)
Customer Reviews
More than one Genius
Though he never really called himself a philosopher, none of the philosophers who came after him denied his influence in their works. Montaigne brings his power of analysis to bear on so many matters that haunt us, in the wee hours, that I can safely guarantee he has something important to say to you, dear listener, about something that’s been on your mind.
And the narration is perfect, which makes such a difference. Woe betide the vanity of writers who insist upon reading their own works, with halting, untrained voices. Montaigne is too old to have such a worry, but the choice of Christopher Lane, who reads with such clear comprehension and understanding of his author, doing justice to the matter, with his soothing, pleasant voice, was a coup for Montaigne’s legacy.
The other bit of genius, however, was that of the of translator, Donald Frame, with his helpful notes, introduction (a brief biography of the author) and his wonderfully contemporary language, making the whole book easy to follow, and a pleasure to listen to.
Such vivid stories, exemplars and clever insights, really lift the listener into a range of colourful scenes from history. The mind’s eye is filled with the indelible images of battles, intrigues, romances and often rather funny events, from an equally wide range of times and places; taking from them the lessons of history, and offering wholly original insights. Those who doubt the ability of the old thinkers to inform, challenge and help us to see our present concerns in a fresh, original light, will be pleasantly astounded at just how much Montaigne has to offer to our jaded age; that should never have been forgotten in the first place. Genius is too small a word to describe Montaigne. And I envy those coming to him for the first time; but you certainly picked the best translation with which to do it. And, I’m grateful to the publishers, for choosing such a great narrator to accompany us on such a long journey.
At nearly 50 hours long, this is one example of true value for money. An investment, filled with gems, apt for any age. Montaigne never gets old.