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
Made to Stick
The Uterus Is a Feature, Not a Bug
Architects of the Web
Something Like an Autobiography
The Hero with a Thousand Faces
Triumph Of The City
The Transit of Venus
Alexander Hamilton
Lives of the Eminent Philosophers
The Story of Civilization: The Renaissance
The E-Myth Revisited
A Short Guide to a Happy Life
The Sunday Philosophy Club
The Wealth of Nations
The Copernican Revolution
Read Write Own
The Last Lecture
The Gutsy Girl
All The Light We Cannot See
It's Not How Good You Are - It's How Good You Want To Be
The Fatal Conceit
The Qur'an
Build The Life You Want
Ringworld
The Future of Capitalism
Means Of Ascent
The Warburgs
A Curious Mind
Cosmos
The Dragons of Eden
Brute
The Reluctant Mr. Darwin
The New Leadership Literacies
No Easy Day
War and Chance
A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety
Tiny Habits
Warren Buffett
The Creative Curve
Master Of The Game
Primed to Perform
Buddha's Brain
I Want To Be A Mathematician
Too Dumb to Fail
Learn or Die
The Greedy Bastard Diary
The Serengeti Rules
A Technique for Producing Ideas
Catch-22
The Artist's Way
Game Engine Black Book
How To Get Rich
The Art of Computer Programming
Food and Nutrition
The Quiet American
Four Quartets
Neuromancer
Nothing To Lose
Private Truths, Public Lies
Awareness
Astrophysics for People In a Hurry
The Diamond Age
The Hand
The Upside of Inequality
The Founders
The Individualists
Beyond Good and Evil
Good Night, Little Bear
The Rape of Nanking
The Road
The Magic Of Reality
Swimming Across
Flying Start
The Money Game
Mismatch
Notes From an Apocalypse
Hooked
The Tycoons
The Revolt of the Elites and the Betrayal of Democracy
Ultralight Backpackin' Tips
The Precariat
The Lives of the Artists
The Road to Serfdom
Life in the English Country House
Bass Culture
Where are the Customers Yachts
Born Standing Up
Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Way of the Warrior Kid 3
Buffett
National Economic Planning
Plentiful Energy
Stalingrad
For A New Liberty
Radical Candor
Competition Demystified
Who's In Charge
Nixon Agonistes
Civilian Warriors
Arctica