French Passions: Will Self on Montaigne

How does one read Michel de Montaigne (1533-1592)? In a talk held at the Ciné Lumière (French Institute, London) on 20 January 2011, Will Self explained his approach to Montaigne. Self also dropped in conversation his dreams about the Queen, how his six year old son would benefit from reading French, and his solo holidays with the Montaigne Essais.

Will Self is the author of eighteen books, including seven novels, three novellas, and four collections of short stories. His latest book, 'Walking to Hollywood', was published by Bloomsbury in September 2010.

Montaigne was one of the most prominent French Renaissance writers. His work influenced the likes of Rousseau and Nietzsche.