Montaigne, Michel Eyquem de 1533-92
French essayist

He was born at the Ch�teau de Montaigne, P�rigord, the third son of the Seigneur de Montaigne. As an experiment in humanist upbringing, he spoke no language but Latin until he was six. He then spent seven years at the Coll�ge de Guienne in Bordeaux, boarding in the rooms of his famous teachers, George Buchanan and Marc-Antoine de Muret. He subsequently studied law, obtained a post in connection with the Parlement of Bordeaux, and for 13 years was a city counsellor. A translation (1569) of the Natural Theology of a 15th-century professor at Toulouse supplied the text for his Apologie de Raymon Sebond ('Apologia for Raymond Sebond'), in which he exhibited the full scope of his own sceptical philosophy. In 1571 he succeeded to the family estate at Ch�teau de Montaigne, and adopted the life of a country gentleman, varied only by visits to Paris and a tour in Germany, Switzerland and Italy. He also began his Essais (1572-80 and 1588, Eng trans Essays, 1603) on the ideas and personalities of the time, which introduced a new literary genre and provided a major contribution to literary history. Unanimously elected Mayor of Bordeaux (against his wishes), he performed his duties to the satisfaction of the citizens, serving two terms of office (1581-85). He was a fearless and all-questioning critic, seemingly inspired by the mere caprice of the moment, but highly original and capable of embracing and realizing the largest experience of life. Pascal among others acknowledged a debt to him.

Bibliography: D M Frame, Montaigne (1965)