Emilie Du Chatelet: Daring Genius of the Enlightenment

by Judith P. Zinsser

The captivating biography of the French aristocrat who balanced the demands of her society with passionate affairs of the heart and a brilliant life of the mind

Although today she is best known for her fifteen-year liaison with Voltaire, Gabrielle Emilie le Tonnelier de Breteuil, Marquise Du Châtelet (1706-1749) was more than a great man's mistress. After marrying a marquis at the age of eighteen, she proceeded to fulfill the prescribed-and delightfully frivolous-role of a French noblewoman of her time. But she also challenged it, conducting a highly visible affair with a commoner, writing philosophical works, and translating Newton's Principia while pregnant by a younger lover. With the sweep of Galileo's Daughter, Emilie Du Châtelet captures the charm, glamour, and brilliance of this magnetic woman.

Genres: Biography, History, Nonfiction, Science, France, Biography Memoir, Feminism

376 pages, Paperback

First published November 23, 2006

Reviews

[Para (wanderer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Émilie du Châtelet is one of the many historical figures who deserve to be brought back from the obscurity they faded into. Her name mostly being mentioned as a lover of a more famous man is an injustice - admittedly, that's how I first learned of her myself but...18th century woman scientist and philosopher? With such an interesting life? I had to know more, and this is probably not the last book about her I will read.

A lot of this biography, especially the parts about her childhood, are speculative, with a lot of maybes since information is scarce and a lot had to be inferred, but Zinsser presents a convincing argument that Émilie only started learning mathematics and physics in her twenties. However, she still more than managed to make a name for herself (including acceptance to the Academy of Bologna, as the second woman) and take part in the so-called Republic of Letters. The explanations of her works and how she came to the conclusions she did were clear enough even for me (and I've never been much for physics), not to mention the insight into how 18th century science looked like was fascinating.

If this sounds dry - it's very much not. 18th century France being what it was and Émilie enjoying a lively social life in addition to her studies, not to mention having to constantly help keep her reckless paramour out of trouble with authorities he again and again found himself in, there are a LOT of juicy anecdotes there too. Every few pages I had to pause and talk about whatever crazy thing happened, which made it slow, if enjoyable going. To give a taste:

[Mme de Tencin] made no secret of her distaste for his impiety, despite the irreligious acts of her own youth, including escape from a convent, numerous affairs, and an illegitimate son (who was raised by his father, given the name d'Alembert, and grew up to be a mathematician and editor of the Encyclopédie).

And of course, given that Émilie was 18th century French nobility, there are the affairs. After she was married and had children, her husband didn't care much and was even on friendly terms with at least one of her boyfriends. Zinsser is quite negative of Émilie's most well-remembered lover, which was fun, and the roasts (most of them well-deserved) never got old.

The ending is, as I knew it would be, quite sad - the slow decay of a long-term relationship, a new love, and the pregnancy which resulted in her death. I can't help but wonder how much more could she have achieved if birth control back in her days was better.

As far as accuracy goes...as with all biographies there is always an element of subjectivity and conjecture, but it at least seems very well researched and sourced, and the author is a historian. All in all, highly recommended to anyone interested in scientist women, the enlightenment and the fascinating people involved.

Enjoyment: 5/5
Execution: 5/5

Recommended to: fellow history nerds, those interested in physics and science, anyone who likes their biographies with spice and drama
Not recommended to: can't really think of any super obvious drawbacks, maybe those who can't stand a well-known man being occasionally called out...? Well, and Frederick the Great wouldn't have liked it either, but that is more of a feature than a bug.

More reviews on my blog, To Other Worlds.

[Fergie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent read but not nearly as compelling as the other biography I recently read about Emilie du Chatelet -- David Bodanis's Passionate Minds. Zinsser's research appears as deep as Bodanis's, but it seems the two biographers arrived at different conclusions after looking at the same evidence. Both agree that a great disservice has been done to Du Chatelet's memory in that she is most notably remembered as the great Enlightenment philosopher, Voltaire's, lover. Both agree that Du Chatelet was the not only a premiere intellectual mind among her own gender, but was one of the most brilliant minds of her generation, far exceeding Voltaire in her capacity to comprehend the most challenging questions of her time. Where the two biographers diverge the most in their conclusions comes at the end of Emilie's story, when describing her relationship with Jean-Francois de Saint-Lambert. Bodanis's description of Saint-Lambert in Passionate Minds has us believe he was a cad of the worst kind, one who led the passionate Du Chatelet to the brink of bliss, only to abandon her after she became pregnant. Zinsser on the other hand would have us believe that Saint-Lambert and Emilie shared a mutual passion, based on a deep-abiding love for the other evident by his devastation upon her death after giving birth to their daughter. The reader who prefers to believe in happy endings would certainly be content with believing Zinsser's telling of Chatelet's life, but for those who are more prone to suspecting Saint-Lambert's duplicity (for which Bodanis shows adequate proof), then Passionate Minds is more in line with what actually occurred between the two.

A fan of history, the study of Voltaire was what initially led me to discover and then study Emilie du Chatelet. What turned out to be a pleasant surprise was what I discovered -- Du Chatelet turned out to be the more compelling subject of the two. Both Zinsser & Bodanis are united in their opinion of Voltaire. History would have us believe that Voltaire was a one dimensional character; an enlightened philosopher, moral in his beliefs and deeds; a man of science and words -- the greatest of his day. Both Passionate Minds and Daring Genius compel us to see Voltaire in a more accurate light; a man of deep flaws, insecure and shallow; a hypochondriac who was capable of making himself ill when the world did not bend to what he perceived was right. When Voltaire met Du Chatelet, she quickly outpaced him in her ability to perceive and comprehend the intricate workings of the mind. Most likely, one of the greatest reasons for Voltaire's break from Emilie was based on his insecurity. Emilie came from an aristocratic lineage which most likely provided her with the confidence to persevere when life placed obstacles in her way. Voltaire, who came from a more humble background, seemed to struggle when he perceived the slightest hint of trouble. Both moved on with their lives after their love affair ended, but what remained was a bond that could not be broken. But, to remember Emilie Du Chatelet simply as Voltaire's lover is to lose the most important aspect of who she really was. Emilie Du Chatelet was a brilliant, passionate mind; a woman far ahead of her time.

Emilie Du Chatelet deserves to be studied. Zinsser's Daring Genius of the Enlightenment is a thorough biography. Zinsser delves into Emilie's mathematical and scientific findings, perhaps more than Bodanis, while taking more time on Emilie's life than Bodanis (who divides his time between Du Chatelet & Voltaire). With that said, I still believe Bodanis did a better job painting a more interesting, rounded picture of Emilie's life. I felt I came to know her on the pages of Bodanis's Passionate Minds. I would suggest the reader start with that book before moving onto Zinsser's biography.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Enlightenment was a period of great intellectual growth and independence and much of what we believe today about democracy and society come form thsi time period. One gets the feeling that everyone in hte 18th century sat around at elegant salons and talked about philosophy and science but, of course, the slaons were only for a priveleged few and the Enlightenment may have a been period of great growth for many wealthy men but the participation of women was much more limited and ambivelant.

Certainly there were a number of salons hosted by women during this period but few of them invited women to be guests. In addition, for many women, being a salonierre was the only way they could get involved in the great movement but there were women who studied and read and wrote. Emilie du Chatelet was one of those women.

It wasn't easy for her becuase he decision to write and study required the active support of the men in her life and her work was often interrupted by her fmaily responsibilities. I think many women nowadays could say the same thing.

Du Chatelet became intrigued by math and science when she was in her late twenties. She was insatiable and determined and to learn geometry and calculus. she finally learned these well enough to translate Newton and write a defense of Leibnitz. She was ridiculed and gossiped about but she persevered and managed to be both a successful wife/mother and a geometre.

Du Chatelet was one of the exceptions to the rule. She managed to find her way in the Enlightenment without hosting a salon and to hold her own with men.

[Antigone · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting, if genuinely sad, biography of the Marquise Du Chatelet - noblewoman, lover of Voltaire (whom, it turns out, was quite the handful), and mathematical savant whose work on the theories of Leibniz and Newton provided France with its first comprehensible translations of some of the most fundamental treatises in physics. Shackled by her culture, she still managed to make a significant contribution to its sciences. I take heart in knowing she could not have wished for a more thorough, and thoroughly empathetic, biographer.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the first history books I've read by a female historian, at least that I can specifically remember. Notable because Zinsser's storytelling Du Châtelet's included details and snark that I can't see a male historian writing.

I picked this book up because it's a time period that interests me, and the summary said that Emilie was Voltaire's lover. Oh là là she was so much more! In this book, Judith P. Zinsser introduces us to one of the most influential Enlightenment thinkers, whose writings and translations helped advance science and math. She also explains why Du Châtelet was brilliant, without any understanding of physics required by the reader. Even though I know I won't understand the science or math, I now want to read Du Châtelet for myself. I definitely recommend this biography.

[Lola Lozano · Rating 4 out of 5]

I commend the author for taking the time to research the life of Emilie Du Chatelet and the lives of those in her circle. Zinsser prefaces the book in stating that much of Du Chatelet's life is unknown until after she was 30 or so. So while this is by no means the authors fault, I can't say that I wasn't disappointed. Zinsser compensates for this loss by describing what life in 18th century France was like for the class that Du Chatelet was a part of and speculates what her life might have been like based off of information from her parents lives and goods. More explicit details of Du Chatelet's live occupy the remaining two-thirds of the book.

To sum up, Zinsser does her best to paint a detailed picture of what Du Chatelet's life was like with the scattered and sparse information recorded about her. You will end up learning much about Voltaire, the big players in physics during 18th century France and Europe, and life of nobility in France during this time.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

History demands her entitlement,
her erasure from history: almost violent.
A scientist and scholar,
with a life full of color.
Emilie du Châtelet: Genius of the Enlightenment

[Julie Akeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful in-depth look into a woman of the Enlightenment period.

[Katelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glorious, exceptional, fantastic. Perfectly researched, centered around her, her intelligence, and her accomplishments rather than being a salacious recounting of rumor and gossip.

[Gail Kennon · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting woman for sure and i'd never heard of her so i'm very glad i read this but wish it had been a less detailed.

[Jeannie Standal · Rating 3 out of 5]

How do we not know about this woman? She should be as famous as her whiny friend, companion, and extra-marital company, Voltaire.

This is serious, cited nonfiction, and the subject is well-worth the effort to wade through it.

Would recommend to grown-up fans of nonfiction, especially about interesting, brilliant women.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another great book, although progress was much slower because of all the scientific and philosophical ideas presented. Emilie du Chatelet was a philosopher in her own right, not merely Voltaire's married, well-connected mistress. In fact, Voltaire owed a lot of his success to her. She was a noblewoman with royal access, a brilliant mind, and ardent devotion. Her passions were science and mathematics, and she did not shy away from writing down and publishing her views of the great debates of the day on metaphysics, physics and religion. Her life as a courtier in the time of the Regency and Louis XV's court at Versailles took up much of her time, as she had to arrange promotions for her husband and son, and see to her daughter's marriage, her families estates and businesses, maintain her etat among the frequently vicious atmosphere of the nobles plying for favor, and keep up correspondence with royalty, philosophes and friends alike. She could have spent her life in frivolity, dressing herself elaborately multiple times a day visiting palaces, attending the theater, gambling, and taking part in the salons of the haute noblesse, but she fell in love with Voltaire, and turned away from the life of Paris to retreat to the countryside and live a life of the mind and join the Republic of Letters. The staggering amount of detail that Zinsser has included is never boring, and she pieces together the elements of a life that was sidelined throughout history in favor of telling a more conventional tale of a rich woman consumed by lust and masquerading as a woman of intelligence. Even if you don't remember much about Voltaire from your high school history classes, if you love history, and particularly women's contributions to it, you will enjoy this biography.

[Ed · Rating 3 out of 5]

I couldn't finish this well written, carefully researched biography. Zinsser uses a lot of background descriptonsl as well as a lot of stories about Voltaire et al to flesh out the limited material about Chatelet. Starting with three introductions she presents an interesting discussion of the choices we have in representing a life. Her effort to discover what facilitated this apparently frivolous aristocrat to become a scholar of note, while unconvincing, got me thinking about how subtle the forces that turn a life on one direction or another can be. I got impatient, however, looking for a thorough discussion of her ideas and her intellectual accomplishments.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The most interesting part of this book,My professor wrote this while I was in her Women in History class. Much better than my Women in Art history class.
Anyway, we would get our papers due dates pushed back often because of her chapter deadlines. So it was great for us. Reading the book, its interesting to see now where she would get influences in lecture.
Very cool lady, helped discover and invent calculus, scientist, translated Newton to French, lover of Voltaire, poet, mother, countess and socialite of Louis XIIII's court.

[loafingcactus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating that she submitted articles to the Acadamie and engaged in correspondence and experimentation in the cutting edge science and mathematics of the day while wearing rediculously huge clothes and managing her husbands extensive holdings and showing up at court on a regular basis. And navigating an unconventional but seemingly healthy marriage and as both the lover of Voltaire and His intellectual competitor. I skimmed through some of the longer summaries of her writing... Two hundred year old science is fairly dull.

[Paula Koneazny · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read parts of this biography & then decided I had better books to read. Perhaps I just got too annoyed at La Marquise & her milieu. Granted, in 18th century France, only a wealthy, high-status noblewoman would have been able to engage in the intellectual pursuits of Emily du Chatelet (mathematics, physics, philosophy) & granted, she was, at a minimum, exceedingly brilliant. Nevertheless I found her insufferable. Vive la revolution!

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well researched and interesting, but a bit slow going because I had already read Passionate Minds by Bodanis. This is a much more scholarly treatment than Bodanis' book, so pick the type of biography you'd like and go for it. Fascinating woman whose life will lead you to read other works from science to drama. Enjoy!

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a biography of the Marquise Du Chatelet, best known as the mistress of Voltaire. In fact, she was well-known in her time as a published author in the field of mathematics and physics, actually coming to compete with Voltaire.

[Jennifer Sarha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating read about a fascinating woman. Zinsser provides a wealth of information about the social and cultural context of De Chatelet's life, as well as detailed insight into her scientific research.

[Wayne]

A Follow-up to Nancy Mitford's "Voltaire in Love" which I hope to read soon.
I live in hope.

[Emme — · Rating 5 out of 5]

The reappraisal Emilie du Châtelet deserves.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

not finished with it but very interest look at this time period