French Literature Reviews - 2026

A. Filho (ed.), Montaigne e seu Tempo
Philosophy, Anthropology and Ideas

Bibliographical reference: FILHO, Alexandrino (ed.). Montaigne e seu Tempo, Editora Universitária - Universidade Federal da Paraíba, "Humanidades" collection, 2013. EAN13: 8523705805.

Montaigne e seu Tempo (Montaigne and His Time) is a collection of papers presented at the conference of the same name, held from November 3 to 6, 2009, at the Federal University of Paraíba, as part of the Year of France in Brazil. It is the first Franco-Brazilian conference dedicated to the work and thought of Michel de Montaigne. It consists of 14 articles, including 12 by scholars from various Brazilian backgrounds and 2 by French academics, preceded by an introduction written by the book's editor and conference coordinator. In total, its 298 pages are dedicated to reflection and debate on this French writer, whose connections to Brazil are well known through his essay "Of Cannibals," which also inspired the book's cover design. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Montaigne within Brazilian universities, marked by the organization of other conferences. This volume, in its own way, marks the beginnings of this burgeoning movement.

This volume gathers fourteen scholarly contributions originating from a landmark academic event held at the Federal University of Paraíba during the Year of France in Brazil. Bringing together twelve Brazilian researchers and two French academics, the collection reflects the enduring dialogue between European Renaissance thought and Brazilian intellectual culture. The essays build upon Montaigne's seminal exploration of alterity, notably connected to his famous reflections in Of Cannibals, offering readers a focused examination of early modern essay writing, humanist philosophy, and cross-cultural reception.

Ideal for students, researchers, and general readers interested in Renaissance literature and intellectual history, this book serves as an important resource for understanding the historical ties between French humanism and Brazilian scholarship. It helps address broader questions regarding how sixteenth-century texts continue to resonate in contemporary cultural debates. By capturing the initial momentum of modern Montaigne studies in Brazil, the publication provides valuable perspectives for anyone seeking to deepen their engagement with the author's philosophical inquiries and enduring humanist legacy.