Voltaire: A Very Short Introduction

Very Short Introductions #511

by Nicholas Cronk

Voltaire (1694-1778), best remembered as the author of Candide , is one of the central actors -- arguably the defining personality -- of the European Enlightenment. In this Very Short Introduction , Nicholas Cronk explores Voltaire's remarkable career and demonstrates how his thinking is pivotal to our notion and understanding of the Enlightenment.

In a fresh and modern examination of his writings, Cronk examines the nature of Voltaire's literary celebrity, demonstrating the extent to which his work was reactive and practical, and therefore made sense within the broader context of the debates to which he responded. The most famous living author in Europe in the 18th century, Cronk emphasizes Voltaire's skills of "performance" as a writer and his continued relevance today. He concludes by looking not only at Voltaire's impact in literature and philosophy, but also his influence on French political values and modern French politics.

ABOUT THE The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Genres: Philosophy, Biography, History, Nonfiction, France, Science, French Revolution

176 pages, Paperback

First published February 11, 2015

Reviews

[Bernie Gourley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Voltaire was a fascinating individual and a prolific writer, but because the eighteenth century was so long ago and most of his writing was in French, most of us English-language readers know of him only from Candide [if that.] Furthermore, much of what people think they know of him is wrong to varying degrees. For example, because of Voltaire's intense (and sometimes vitriolic) writings in support of religious tolerance, he is often believed to be an atheist, which he was not. Even the quote most widely associated with him in English, "I disapprove of what you say, but will defend to the death your right to say it" wasn't uttered by him. (Though it may not be wide of the mark of his feelings on the subject.)

I learned a great deal through reading this book about the man and the myth that was Voltaire. Its chapters are arranged along the various facets of Voltaire's life -- e.g. playwright, expat, courtier, scientist, campaigner, and celebrity. It introduces readers to some of Voltaire's other writings, and the events that inspired them, as well as to his interactions with prominent philosophers and public figures of his day.

[Maan Kawas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book!

[Fred Eisenhut · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read longer books about Voltaire, but this one gives a quick overview of his life and work. For those who don't have time to read a much longer book, this will give you the essentials of his life and work. Well worth it.

[Rgoldenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, readable and enjoyable biography of one of the great intellectuals in Western history. It is written by perhaps, the world's leading living Voltaire scholar, Nicolas Cronk of Oxford University, who also happens to be the reigning director of the Voltaire Foundation.

I found the final chapter of this little book, about Voltaire's legacy, especially interesting, as Cronk presents an unprejudiced approach, showing how Voltaire has continued to be appropriated by all sides of the political spectrum. He also reminds us that this 18th Century champion of Free Speech was resurrected in the 2005 Charlie Hebdo incident. His influence is still very much alive.

I would also recommend Cronk's brief, but thought provoking introduction to Voltaire's timeless masterwork, Candide (Norton Critical Edition: 3rd Ed.).

I have found Nicholas Cronk to be a wonderful guide to this remarkable Enlightenment thinker.

[Geoffrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent refresher/introduction to the life and work of M. de Voltaire.

[Jeff J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A content-rich examination of the author’s life and contributions to the European Enlightenment.

[Sammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best written and most accessible of the "A Very Short Introduction" series. If you're interested at all in Voltaire, you can't go wrong picking this up.