In 1572 Montaigne retired to his estates in order to devote himself to leisure reading & reflection. There he wrote his constantly expanding 'essays' inspired by the ideas he found in books from his library & his own experience. He discusses subjects as diverse as war-horses & cannibals poetry & politics sex & religion love & friendship ecstasy & experience. Above all Montaigne studied himself to find his own inner nature & that of humanity. The Essays are among the most idiosyncratic & personal works in all literature. An insight into a wise Renaissance mind they continue to engage enlighten & entertain modern readers.