An Apology for Raymond Sebond

Nov 18, 2024 4:43 PM

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.

Reviews

No-one studying the relations between the West and the decolonizing world can ignore Mr. Said's work

—— New York Times Book Review

Edward Said belongs to that small band of American intellectuals who talk sense (and write beautifully) about the outside world

—— Guardian

Edward Said is a brilliant and unique amalgam of scholar, aesthete and political activist... He challenges and stimulates our thinking in every area

—— Washington Post Book World

Byron Katie’s Work . . . acts like a razor-sharp sword that cuts through illusion and enables you to know for yourself the timeless essence of your being.

—— Eckhart Tolle, author of The Power of Now

No less than a revolutionary way to live your life. The question is: are we brave enough to accept it?

—— Erica Jong, author of Fear of Flying

I love Katie and her Work...both love and wisdom are there.

—— Lama Surya Das, author of Awakening the Buddha Within

Get real, beat the blues. Lasting happiness is just four simple questions away.

—— The Times

written with intelligence and an impressive lightness of touch

—— Standpoint

Julian Barnes takes on the ambitious subject of death - and succeeds brilliantly

—— William Leith , Scotsman

It is a sincere, humble work, punctuated by moments of poignancy

—— Colm Farren , The Irish Times

This year, its moving, sly, terrified grappling with the approach of extinction overwhelmed me

—— Andro Linklater , Spectator, Books of the Year

A rather beautiful account of the birth and evolution of Islam ... Lucid and illuminating ... Fascinating

—— Metro

Aslan is an engaging writer, his strength lies ... as an observer of contemporary challenges facing Islam ... Sensitive and generous

—— FT Magazine

Enthralling. A book of tremendous clarity and generosity of spirit

—— Jim Crace

Previous Article：Covering Islam Next Article：The Penguin Dictionary of Islam

Comments

Welcome to zzdbook comments! Please keep conversations courteous and on-topic. To fosterproductive and respectful conversations, you may see comments from our Community Managers.