Voltaire: The Universal Man

by Derek Parker

The Universal Man is the dramatic life of a key Enlightenment figure, and France's greatest philosopher. Francois Marie Arouet (pen name Voltaire) was born on November 21, 1694 in Paris. He left school at 16 and soon made friends among the Parisian aristocrats where his humorous verses made him a favourite in society circles. However, his satirical wit got him in trouble and he was exiled from France on several occasions, imprisoned twice in the Bastille, and beaten by chevalier de Rohan-Chabot's men after making a public remark which caused that gentleman to look foolish. When back in France Voltaire, who was a millionaire by the age of forty, restored the run-down Chateau de Cirey and began one of the greatest intellectual and romantic relationships of the 18th century with Emilie de Breteuil. Under the patronage of Madame de Pompadour, he became official royal historian. Yet, upon his death, he was denied church burial. In 1814 a right-wing religious group stole his remains and dumped them in a garbage heap.

240 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2006

About the author

Derek Parker (27 May 1932 – 2 January 2025) was a British writer and broadcaster. He was the author of numerous works on literature, ballet, and opera, and with his wife Julia of several books about astrology.

Reviews

[Robert]

Looking back on this past year and a bit, this was certainly one of the most enjoyable and informative non-fiction books I read. For a slender volume it packs a lot of facts and context, the kind of modern treatment a lot of the more mystifying "Big Name" figures of world history could use for the 1st century. Well done!

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very accessible introduction to Voltaire's life, and the amazing world he lived in

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I only had a passing knowledge of Voltaire and I enjoyed reading this short biography. It helped provide a background of the man.

[CAMERON · Rating 4 out of 5]

More of a timeline than a real study of the man. But still well worth a read.