This anthology brings together some of the greatest essays in English literature, from Montaigne's pioneering work of self-examination to the witty social commentary of Oscar Wilde. The book is edited by Helen Kendrick Johnson, a prominent literary critic of the early 20th century, whose critical introduction and biographical notes provide invaluable context for each essay. Readers who appreciate the art of the essay will find this book to be a treasure trove of wit, wisdom, and insight.

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