Montaigne, Michel De
Montaigne, Michel De
(1533-1592) French novelist whose renowned Essays are famous for his tolerant study of himself and through himself of mankind as a whole. He doubts the possibility of certain knowledge and recommends a return to nature and revelation. He was a keen observer of the frailties of human nature and has left among the essays crowned masterpieces of insight and delight. — L.E.D.