Absolute long shot here, unlikely anybody is interested in such a topic, but wondering if anyone has ever read Montaigne, or familiar with this type of writing?

If so, which translation did you read and what did you think of that translation?

forrestang 

Absolute long shot here, unlikely anybody is interested in such a topic, but wondering if anyone has ever read Montaigne, or familiar with this type of writing? If so, which translation did you read and what did you think of that translation?

I have, actually, but it was an extremely long time ago and I don't remember a thing about them, other than short and witty. I think witty. Short, anyway. It was a long time ago.

I looked on my shelf and there is still a copy there, one of many dragged around from place to place since college, and not necessarily looked at since then. It's the Donald M. Frame translation, Stanford University Press. I assume it's a good one since anything I acquired back then had some connection with some kind of course or some interest I had at the time, but I can't tell you more about it. Sorry.

Bob.

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Edit: you might see if there are online versions out there. I think Google has a number of "classics" online, word for word, and there may be others who do as well.

bobwest 

I have, actually, but it was an extremely long time ago and I don't remember a thing about them, other than short and witty. I think witty. Short, anyway. It was a long time ago. I looked on my shelf and there is still a copy there, one of many dragged around from place to place since college, and not necessarily looked at since then. It's the Donald M. Frame translation, Stanford University Press. I assume it's a good one since anything I acquired back then had some connection with some kind of course or some interest I had at the time, but I can't tell you more about it. Sorry. Bob. ---------------- Edit: you might see if there are online versions out there. I think Google has a number of "classics" online, word for word, and there may be others who do as well.

Cool.

Only asking as I have started reading this Cotton translation I have on epub right now, and I find it rather difficult. But I am pretty dense, so that could be it?

I actually ordered a used Frame translation in hard copy right before I saw your post, as I saw some others online saying that was a decent translation, so I'm hoping it makes my read easier.

Anyway, I know you said you don't remember much about it... but can you remember any positive or negative associations you had with it? By that I mean, do you remember if it made you do a lot of introspection when your read it, or if you remember really enjoying it, or if you just had a 'meh' impression about it?

Do you remember really understanding it, or if it was over your head?

forrestang 

Cool. Only asking as I have started reading this Cotton translation I have on epub right now, and I find it rather difficult. But I am pretty dense, so that could be it? I actually ordered a used Frame translation in hard copy right before I saw your post, as I saw some others online saying that was a decent translation, so I'm hoping it makes my read easier. Anyway, I know you said you don't remember much about it... but can you remember any positive or negative associations you had with it? By that I mean, do you remember if it made you do a lot of introspection when your read it, or if you remember really enjoying it, or if you just had a 'meh' impression about it? Do you remember really understanding it, or if it was over your head?

I truly don't recall anything about it at all. I know he was a major figure at the time and that he is often mentioned. But I was reading a lot of stuff, and also being a student, which had its distractions, and he is just another name to me now.

I hope you like the translation you are getting. I wish I could say more, but I've said about all that my brain cells now contain. That was many, many decades ago. The litlle grey cells are tired now.

Bob.

bobwest 

I truly don't recall anything about it at all. I know he was a major figure at the time and that he is often mentioned. But I was reading a lot of stuff, and also being a student, which had its distractions, and he is just another name to me now. I hope you like the translation you are getting. I wish I could say more, but I've said about all that my brain cells now contain. That was many, many decades ago. The litlle grey cells are tired now. Bob.

Well thanks anyway, good to know someone else at least had some interest in it.

forrestang 

Absolute long shot here, unlikely anybody is interested in such a topic, but wondering if anyone has ever read Montaigne, or familiar with this type of writing? If so, which translation did you read and what did you think of that translation?

I have "How to live or A Life of Montaigne" by Sarah Bakewell. Been meaning to get to it, but haven't had the time.

stoicbuddha 

I have "How to live or A Life of Montaigne" by Sarah Bakewell. Been meaning to get to it, but haven't had the time.

If you ever do read it, please do report back.

Is this information relevant today?

romanmalon 

Is this information relevant today?

I'd say it depends on who's receiving it.

In the same way the musings Aristotle, Confucius or Plato, etc.... may or may-not be relevant today, depending on your perspective.