Montaigne (1533-92) is commonly regarded as an early modern sceptic, standing at the threshold of a new secular way of thinking. He is also known for his groundbreaking exploration of the 'subject' or the 'self'. Terence Cave discusses these and other key aspects of the Essais not as philosophical themes but as features in the mapping of a mental landscape. Taking passages from many different chapters of the Essais, this book guides the reader through Montaigne's investigation of the 'subtle shades and stirrings' of the mind.