There are many interesting layers to this book. First the subject who during the late 1500’s wrote a book of essays which is a unique glimpse of his life during the time. Second is this book was written by an interesting person, Stefan Zweig who found a common spirit in Montaigne. Third, the book was written during the height of WWII, and the interesting grounding of the uncertainty and dread of the mid 1900’s with the uncertainty and dread of the late 1500’s (constant war and plague).
I am left with a mixed reaction to Montaigne’s approach to life with retreat, indifference, staying out of the frenzy of religion - combined with his own privileged status of power and wealth. It was not the common man who can seclude himself in his library for a decade, ignoring his estate, staff, and family. There are lessons to be learned from everyone, but you are not them and must find your own way in life - which is entirely what Montaigne would advise.