Author:Michel Montaigne,M. A. Screech,M. A. Screech,M. A. Screech,M. A. Screech
An Apology for Raymond Sebond is widely regarded as the greatest of Montaigne's essays: a supremely eloquent expression of Christian scepticism. An empassioned defence of Sebond's fifteenth-century treatise on natural theology, it was inspired by the deep crisis of personal melancholy that followed the death of Montaigne's own father in 1568, and explores contemporary Christianity in prose that is witty and frequently damning. As he searches for the true meaning of faith, Montaigne is heavily critical of the arrogant tendency of mankind to create God in its own image, and offers his personal reflections on the true role of man, the need to eschew personal arrogance, and the vital importance of faith if we are to understand our place in the universe. Wise, perceptive and remarkably informed, this is one of the true masterpieces of the essay form.
Cheeky [and] irreverent
—— Scotland on SundayAn erudite, entertaining, informative and sometimes spectacularly rude rant
—— New ScientistLearned, intelligent, outrageous, fruitful and funny
—— TribuneHe is a sensitive writer, capable of great subtlety
—— GuardianDeepak Chopra continues to lead us even deeper into the mysteries and joys of true spirituality
—— James Redfield, author of The Celestine ProphecyRoy Strong's enthusiasm for his subject is almost tactile as he [praises the loveliness of the old buildings, explains the places they occupied in the community and describes the changing experience of parishioners through the ages
—— Glasgow HeraldRoy Strong has written an indispensable book
—— Sunday TelegraphIdeal further reading
—— Economist