B. Roger-Vasselin, Montaigne et l'intelligence du monde moderne - Medieval and Renaissance Studies

French Literature Reviews - 2026

B. Roger-Vasselin, Montaigne et l'intelligence du monde moderne
Medieval and Renaissance Studies

[Agrégation 2010-2011]

Bruno Roger-Vasselin

Montaigne and the Understanding of the Modern World

  • P.U.F.
  • Coll. C.N.E.D.
  • November 2010
  • 176 p.
  • ISBN: 978-2-13-058172-7
  • 19 euros

Publisher's overview:

Montaigne and the Understanding of the Modern World: Serving as the mayor of Bordeaux from 1581 to 1585, Michel de Montaigne remains one of the most exceptional and open-minded intellectuals of the Renaissance. He left behind a unique body of work rooted in his era, yet its profound resonance with the modern world continues to amaze every attentive reader. Today, Book II is often favored by contemporary philosophers because of the "Apology for Raymond Sebond" (II, 12), considered a cornerstone of Renaissance skepticism. Book III is widely appreciated by the general public as Montaigne's most personal work. Meanwhile, the significance of Book I—both relatively and intrinsically—is too often understated. Therefore, the studies in this volume are devoted specifically to Book I. Designed to meet the needs of candidates preparing for the competitive *agrégation* examinations in classical and modern literature, this volume consists of two complementary parts: the first is thematic, outlining the essential characteristics of Book I of the *Essays*; the second is practical, providing methodological guidelines for the various exam formats (essay, academic lecture, literary analysis, grammatical and stylistic analysis, text explication, and grammar questions, complete with an example for each type of exercise).

Michel de Montaigne occupied the office of mayor of Bordeaux from 1581 to 1585, distinguishing himself as a prominent intellectual of the Renaissance period. His literary output remains deeply connected to the sixteenth century while continuing to resonate with contemporary readers. Modern philosophical discussions frequently privilege Book II, particularly the "Apology for Raymond Sebond" as a key text of Renaissance skepticism, whereas the general public often gravitates toward the personal reflections found in Book III. In contrast, the significance of Book I is less frequently emphasized in general commentary, prompting this volume to focus specifically on its themes and structural qualities within the broader framework of the Essays.

Published in the CNED collection by P.U.F. in November 2010, the volume is structured around two distinct yet complementary sections intended to support candidates preparing for the competitive agrégation examinations in classical and modern literature. The first part adopts a thematic approach to outline the essential characteristics of Book I, while the second offers practical guidance for academic exercises including essays, lectures, text explication, and stylistic analysis, complete with illustrative examples. Readers interested in Renaissance literature and French pedagogical traditions may find this guide relevant to their studies.