Voltaire in Exile

by Ian Davidson

A fascinating portrait of Voltaire focuses on the last twenty-five years of his life--his forced exile from eighteenth-century France wherein he became a successful entrepreneur and social reformer, while writing his masterpiece, Candide.

Genres: Biography, History, Nonfiction, France, Philosophy

368 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 2004

Reviews

[Paul W. B. Marsden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read as long as you bear in mind this is a biography concentrating on Voltaire later years in exile in Switzerland. Very well researched and I liked the way Davidson let Voltaire speak for himself through his letters (he was a compulsive letter writer).
Felt teary when I read the triumphant return of Paris weeks before he died after decades in exile. Voltaire received a magnificent reception on 30 March 1778 as he took his seat at a performance of his play, Irène, at the Comédie Française, where he received extended ovations and was crowned with a laurel crown. Cries of ‘The man who saved the Calas’ was in tribute to his many campaigns for justice for those who suffered at the hands of the ancien regime and its courts (including the Calas family wrongfully accused of murder). Voltaire - The Great Advocate for Justice.
Highly recommended.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is fascinating, and not just for someone (hi!) who loves me some Voltaire. Among the others who will enjoy it are those into: Euro history, politics, influential artists, literature, culture, and social justice. In many ways this book is about how Voltaire and some other smart folks in the late 1700s had epiphanies and invented human rights. It doesn't get too bogged down in anything, but it is more than a light, frothy read.

[Steven Spector · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful way to enter the life of Voltaire examining the last 25 years of his life. A short beginning chapter summarizes the almost first 60 years. If it interests you, grab a second more complete bio.

[Rian Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book looking at the philsopophe Voltaire. Voltaire was a man born poor but self-made rich French intellectual who gradually developed a consciousness for human rights. He tirelessly in his later years (60s and onward) campaigned for those unjustly condemned and their families. This took considerable time and expense on his part, the most famous case being the Calas family. (Link here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Calas)

Volatire was hated by the French King Louis the XV and exiled (no one knows why specifically but probably because he made so much trouble and caused such change). His views along with his friends in the philsophe community (including d'alembert) greatly shaped the budding human rights movement that would be formally established in France and the world later after his death.

Modern readers will be surprised by the cruelty and capricious behavior of French jurisprudence at the time. Zero evidence (and even plausibility) could still get you tortured and executed very quickly, especially for perceived anti-Catholic offences.
The modern rights we enjoy today are in part due to Voltaire's efforts.
Recommended.

[Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A remarkable description of Voltaire's life after being exiled from the French court for a silly reason. I had no idea Voltaire was so wealthy! Wonderful description of Voltaire's brilliance, innovation and many quirks.

[Dr Susan Turner · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm sure Ian Davidson has done a thorough job in unravelling the truth of Voltaire's final years. Some good black and white photos. However, I was not 'gtabed' in the first pages even though I am interested in the period and French history and even read Candide when young. Not one for me.

[Tuck · Rating 3 out of 5]

good, solid accounting of Voltaire's burgeoning humanism, done through his copious letter writing. sure, he was a nasty rich french guy, but at least he had a brain, and late in his life he started thinking about french justice system, religious fanaticism, and why the two should be mutually exclusive. read this book and you will see what i mean.

[LA · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, but very dense.

[Akin · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amusing, informative and enjoyable read

[Mark McTague · Rating 3 out of 5]

Randy old bugger.
Who knew?