After Montaigne: Contemporary Essayists Cover the Essays

In After Montaigne, editor Phillip Lopate curates responses from prominent contemporary essayists to Michel de Montaigne's classic essays. Featuring writers like Maggie Nelson, Vivian Gornick, and Wayne Koestenbaum, this collection revives Montaigne's spirit of introspection and discovery through diverse modern voices, blending personal reflection with literary homage.

After Montaigne gathers leading contemporary essayists to respond to the essays of Michel de Montaigne, the 16th-century philosopher known for his introspective and exploratory style. Edited by acclaimed essayist Phillip Lopate, the collection showcases a variety of writers engaging with Montaigne's themes of self-examination, human experience, and the art of writing.

Contributors include Maggie Nelson, Kristen Radtke, Vivian Gornick, Robert Atwan, Brian Doyle, David Lazar, Patrick Madden, Chris Arthur, Barrie Jean Borich, Steven Church, Lisa Ferreira, Wayne Koestenbaum, Shannon Lakanen, Desirae Matherly, Jose Orduna, Elena Passarello, Amy Scott, Jerald Walker, Marcia Aldrich, Mary Cappello, Danielle Cadena Deulen, E. J. Levy, Bret Lott, Lia Purpura, Nicole Walker, Judith Ortiz Cofer, and Lina M. Ferreira.

This anthology bridges historical literary tradition with modern perspectives, offering fresh interpretations that highlight the enduring relevance of Montaigne's work in today's essay form.

Through these responses, readers encounter a dialogue across centuries, where personal narratives intersect with philosophical inquiry, enriching the genre of the personal essay.