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| Montaigne |
The art of the essay has enjoyed a long history. It seems the first recognized essayist was Michel de Montaigne, though he was by no means the end of it. Since it has been used by such literary giants as Virginia Wolf and R.W. Emerson. It has also been a favorite of high schools, being deemed as a good way of introducing young men and women to writing- at the same time demanding that they think for themselves.
The essay style seems to have ebbed and flowed in popularity - peeking in the mid nineties - then waning at the same time as new form was dawning; the blog. Blogging has become both a medium format and a stylistic format - long digital columns filled with everything from benign makeup advice to murderous rants. Many of it's characteristics neatly fall under the wide umbrella of the essay. It is personal, ruminating and at times playful. However, it may lack the most crucial distinction of the essay; it has in mind a particular topic. This topic is not a joke - but something treaded with careful consideration. At least that has been my experience.
It seems well within the bounds of the blog format to encompass the essay style. Why not? All you need to as is that one missing ingredient; which is the serious topic. Montaigne was famous (or infamous?) for including many citations, and referencing many of his sources of inspiration. I like the idea, but I find including a link easier. After all; isn't this the 21st century?
I hope you will enjoy my new scribblings. To get regular updates, it is possible to subscribe to them by e- mail by submitting it in the box on the right.
