At the age of thirty-seven, Michel de Montaigne gave up his job as a magistrate and retired to his chateau to brood on his own private grief. This title offers a celebration of one of the most joyful and yet profound of all Renaissance writers whose work went on to have a huge impact on Shakespeare.

At the age of eighteen the author ran away from English boys and into the arms of a Frenchman. Using both her personal experiences and the lessons of French history and culture, this title examines various aspects of French life - from sex and adultery to money, happiness, race and politics.