Although this audiobook is long enough for a cross-country drive, it is better consumed in small chunks, one essay at a time. While Peter Wickham’s friendly, conversational tone is easy to listen to, the essays themselves may require some thought. Some of them will also require knowledge of the classical world of Montaigne’s education. (How many people today are familiar with Epaminondas?) Wickham keeps the text from becoming dry or unemotional, but this is a work deeply embedded in the French Renaissance and the Counter-Reformation, which may limit its appeal. Wickham’s performance is fine, but the work may be of serious interest only to a range of specialists. D.M.H. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine

Although this audiobook is long enough for a cross-country drive, it is better consumed in small chunks, one essay at a time. While Peter Wickham’s friendly, conversational tone is easy to listen to, the essays themselves may require some thought. Some of them will also require knowledge of the classical world of Montaigne’s education. (How many people today are familiar with Epaminondas?) Wickham keeps the text from becoming dry or unemotional, but this is a work deeply embedded in the French Renaissance and the Counter-Reformation, which may limit its appeal. Wickham’s performance is fine, but the work may be of serious interest only to a range of specialists. D.M.H. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine