Reflections by the creator of the essay form display the humane, skeptical, humorous, and honest views of Montaigne, revealing his thoughts on sexuality, religion, cannibals, intellectuals, and other unexpected themes. Included are such celebrated works as "On Solitude," "To Philosophize Is to Learn How to Die," and "On Experience."

To overcome a crisis of melancholy after the death of his father, Montaigne withdrew to his country estates and began to write. This title discusses Montaigne's themes such as fathers and children, conscience and cowardice, and coaches and cannibals.

The range of topics and the careful consideration given to them by Montaigne is unsurpassed; he studies humanity through poetry, love and ectasy - but also through cannibalism and war-horses.