The book is a collection of his previously unpublished 'essays' on/about a variety of topics.
There is no hint as to which of the approaches 'essayed' in this book will prove most useful.
He 'essayed' [='tried', 'attempted'] 'to restore' an emphasis on classical languages.
(..) Well, for me, it felt like it was always covered in zips. Zips, strings, everywhere I went. Hey. What's for dinner, Mom? I'm starving. Books and essays. I can fix something. Are you gonna stay, Wayne? You want something to eat? - Sure. - Mom, they are years old. (..)2014 Wild