Montaigne and Shakspere

"Montaigne and Shakspere" by J. M. (John Mackinnon) Robertson is an analytical work that investigates how the writings of Michel de Montaigne affected the plays of William Shakespeare. Written in the late 19th century, Robertson's book highlights similarities in language and ideas between the two famous writers, with the aim of understanding Shakespeare's development as both a playwright and thinker. The book starts by acknowledging the renewed interest in Shakespeare and points out that the detailed study of how Montaigne's ideas influenced Shakespeare is lacking. Robertson mentions earlier scholars' observations about particular sections in plays like "The Tempest" and "Hamlet," and suggests that Montaigne's essays added to the philosophical ideas found in these works, setting the stage for a careful study of how Montaigne's thoughts might have informed Shakespeare's views on humanity, life, and right and wrong.