Here's a breakdown of how the essay came to be:
* Ancient Greece and Rome: Early forms of essays can be traced back to the philosophical dialogues of Plato and the rhetorical exercises of Cicero. These writings explored ideas and arguments, but they were often formal and structured.
* Michel de Montaigne (1533-1592): This French writer is often considered the "father of the essay." His collection of personal essays, "Essais," explored a wide range of topics in a conversational and introspective style. Montaigne's works were influential in shaping the modern essay.
* Francis Bacon (1561-1626): This English philosopher and statesman wrote essays that were more focused on presenting arguments and exploring specific themes. Bacon's essays were often used for instruction and persuasion.
* 18th and 19th Centuries: The essay form continued to develop and diversify. Writers like Samuel Johnson, William Hazlitt, and Ralph Waldo Emerson expanded the possibilities of the essay, incorporating humor, personal experiences, and social commentary.
In essence, the essay evolved over time, influenced by various writers and thinkers. There wasn't a single "inventor," but rather a gradual development of the form.