Here’s a link to the latest issue of the journal Republics of Letters, featuring a forum on the essay genre. As well as fascinating contributions by other writers on a range of essayists, there’s one by me, “Reverie and Ambush: on the influence of Montaigne.” It’s about Montaigne and one of my favourite French writers, Francis Ponge. 
If you don’t know Ponge’s extraordinary, precise prose poems about things – oysters, cigarette ash, pebbles, snails, candles, soap – I’d recommend seeking out his Le Parti pris des choses (Siding With Things). Try this: a bilingual French/English version of his “L’Orange” (“The Orange“). It will have you peering very closely at the pips next time you squeeze your morning OJ.
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Sarah Bakewell 
Terrific! Really brightened my day. Thank you!
And thank you! My day is brightened in turn.
to further brighten your day 😉
I loved loved loved the read especially yours
it is so nice to read something from a philosopher that is accessible if one is untrained but intrigued
Thank you so much Silke – my day is positively radiant now!