Voltaire François-Marie Arouet
The supreme figure of the French Enlightenment, Voltaire attacked religious fanaticism, persecution, and superstition with wit, irony, and devastating clarity. Candide is the most brilliant satirical novella in French; his Philosophical Dictionary is a monument of rationalist skepticism. He campaigned for religious tolerance as a practical cause.
Works
- CandideSatirical novella: innocent tutor's disastrous adventures mock optimism philosophy
- Philosophical DictionaryAlphabetical encyclopedia of philosophical concepts, critical commentary on superstition
- Letters Concerning the English NationEssays praising English institutions and comparing to French government
- ZadigPhilosophical adventure tale exploring fate, providence, and human destiny
- The Age of Louis XIVHistory of the reign and culture under Louis XIV of France
- Letters on the EnglishEssays comparing English liberties and institutions to continental systems
- MicromégasComic space voyage to giant planet: philosophical satire on knowledge