Lives of the most eminent literary and scientific men of France, Vol. 1 (of 2)

"Lives of the Most Eminent Literary and Scientific Men of France, Vol. 1" by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley is a series of accounts that bring to life prominent French intellectuals. The volume starts with Michel de Montaigne, looking closely at his life and the unusual way he was raised by his father, focusing on learning through experience. We find out about Montaigne's early life, his love for books, and how he created essays full of personal stories and deep thinking. The book emphasizes how friendly and thoughtful Montaigne was, along with his important connection to Étienne de la Boëtie, which greatly shaped his life and work. This beginning part creates an engaging mood that allows the reader to explore Montaigne's ideas, showcasing his unique style and the big questions he considered in his writings, while hinting at other figures like Rabelais and Corneille who will be covered.