However, Michel de Montaigne is often credited with being a key figure in the development of the informal essay. He wrote his *Essays* in the 16th century, using a conversational style and exploring personal thoughts and experiences. This approach paved the way for later writers who embraced a more relaxed and personal style in their essays.
Other influential figures include:
* William Hazlitt: Known for his personal and often witty essays, exploring a wide range of topics.
* Ralph Waldo Emerson: A key figure in American Transcendentalism, who wrote essays in a distinctive personal style.
* Charles Lamb: A writer who used humor and lightheartedness in his essays, often focusing on everyday life and personal observations.
It's important to note that the informal essay emerged as a natural response to the more formal, academic style of writing prevalent in the past. Writers began experimenting with different styles, leading to the evolution of the informal essay as we know it today.
Rather than a single "father," the informal essay owes its existence to a confluence of influences and a growing desire for a more personal and relatable form of writing.