The Story of Civilization: The Age of Voltaire

A History of Civilization in Western Europe from 1715 to 1756, With Special Emphasis on the Conflict Between Religion and Philosophy

Will & Ariel Durant

Recommended By

Book Synopsis

"The Story of Civilization: The Age of Voltaire" by Will Durant and Ariel Durant offers a gripping exploration of the Enlightenment era through the life and ideas of one of its most prominent figures, Voltaire.

Spanning from the early 18th century to the late 18th century, this captivating book illuminates the cultural, intellectual, and political developments of the time. The authors painstakingly present the historical context and philosophical underpinnings that shaped Voltaire's beliefs and activism.

From his writings and correspondence to his encounters with influential thinkers and rulers, the reader is taken on a stimulating journey into Voltaire's world. The authors delve into his role as an advocate for reason, a critic of dogma and intolerance, and a devoted defender of civil liberties.

"The Age of Voltaire" also examines Voltaire's impact on society, his relentless pursuit of social justice, and his contributions to literature, science, and the arts. The book explores how he challenged established norms, confronted religious authorities, and sought to reform flawed systems of governance.

With eloquence and deep insight, the Durants capture the essence of an era marked by intellectual ferment, conversation, and the pursuit of knowledge. They skillfully weave together diverse historical threads to provide a nuanced and engaging narrative that sheds light on the profound legacy of Voltaire's ideas.

In "The Story of Civilization: The Age of Voltaire," Will and Ariel Durant invite readers to uncover the intellectual revolution that unfolded during this fascinating period and discover the lasting legacy of one of history's most influential thinkers. This book serves as a testament to the enduring significance of Voltaire's ideas and the enduring power of intellectual courage and principled dissent.

Explore More Books

See All
Deep Value
The Storm of Steel
Fundamentals of Plasma Physics
The Power Of Productivity
Polio
Tools and Weapons
Leading Without Authority
Secrets of Sand Hill Road
The Creature from Jekyll Island
The Company
Competing Against Time
Naked Statistics
Portfolios of the Poor
How Big Things Get Done
The Rise and Fall of the British Empire
English Culture and the Decline of the Industrial Spirit, 1850-1980
Hillbilly Elegy
The End of History and the Last Man
Hagakure
Other People's Money
Defending Beef
The Letters of William Godwin
Ignition!
Where Good Ideas Come From
The Spiritual Brain
Killers of the Flower Moon
The Power of Myth
Beyond Entrepreneurship
In Other Words
A Spy Among Friends
Follow The Money
The Feynman Lectures on Physics
The Invention of Air
The Fifth Season
Don't Make Me Think
The Diversity Myth
The Seventh Sense
Albert Einstein
Antifragile
The Soul of the World
Shantaram
Leonardo Da Vinci
A History of the Mind
Save The Cat!
I'd Like To Play Alone, Please
The Ethics of Money Production
How Trump Is Making Black America Great Again
Technical Analysis of the Financial Markets
My Brother Ron
Daughter of the Heartland
Powernomics
Empire
The Book of Why
Grass Farmers
Out of Many, One
American Buffalo
Democracy: The God That Failed
Blood and Thunder
Search Inside Yourself
Managing Oneself
Thinking In Bets
Take Back The Game
Beat the Wealth Management Hustle
Human Compatible
The Unquiet Grave
The Ride of a Lifetime
When Money Dies
Troubled
Bet The Farm
How to Stop Worrying and Start Living
The Social Photo
The Light Of Other Days
The Jungle
Eisenhower in War and Peace
The Eden Project
The Road to Character
Founding Brothers
Free The Animal
In Defense of Food
Rise of the Dungeon Master
Outlive
The Civil Rights Era
Demons
The Structure of Scientific Revolutions
Facing Codependence
Spiritually Incorrect Enlightenment
We Are The Nerds
Work Rules!
Insanely Simple
Blitzscaling
The River of Doubt
Tuxedo Park
The Silk Roads
A History of Knowledge
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Total Freedom
Hopping Over The Rabbit Hole
Code
The Master Switch
Surface Detail