How to Live

So many important books, so little time. Why read this book instead of jumping straight into Montaigne? For one, because I didn't know that I needed to read Montaigne. Now I do, and I will.

Another reason to read this book: Context. Some people can dive head-first into a book without understanding its origin; the ethos of the time, the spirit of the author. Some people skip the Introduction. Not I. This may be a rather long Introduction, but it's both thorough and riveting. Kudos to Bakewell.