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
Astrophysics for People In a Hurry
Guns, Sails, and Empires
At Play in the Fields of the Lord
Faraday, Maxwell, and the Electromagnetic Field
Writing My Wrongs
Dance to the Tune of Life
Bet The Farm
The Interpretation of Dreams
The True Believer
American Prison
National Economic Planning
Seeing Is Forgetting the Name of the Thing One Sees
Memos From The Chairman
Darwin's Blind Spot
Once a Warrior
The Intel Trinity
Power Failure
Trust Me, I'm Lying
Expectations Investing
Everything All At Once
Glass
The Sun Also Rises
History of the World
Code
The Jungle Book
The Creative Society
The Most Important Thing
The Ordeal of Civility
Good Calories, Bad Calories
Awareness
A Universe From Nothing
DeMark Indicators
The Red Queen
Walter Benjamin
The Man Without a Face
Moorish Spain
End The Fed
Rational Ritual
Being You
The Blue Sweater
The Remains Of The Day
Influence
I Am Not a Tractor
The Trump Century
The Little Prince
A Magic Web
The Outsiders
On The Principles of Political Economy and Taxation
Dreamland
The Dao of Capital
The Hour Between Dog and Wolf
My Inventions
Your Dad Stole My Rake
Nixonland
Long Walk to Freedom
It's About Damn Time
A Higher Loyalty
Sex, Drugs, and Rock 'n' Roll
Dream Yoga
Sam Walton
The Quest
The Knowledge
In the Company of Giants
The Enchiridion
The Creative Act
Democracy In America
Blink
Hillbilly Elegy
War
Small Is the New Big
The Language Instinct
The Snowball
Slow Horses
Anything You Want
Children of Dune
A History of the English-Speaking Peoples
Financial Derivatives
Born Standing Up
When I Say No, I Feel Guilty
Self Reliance
End of Illness
Defend The Border and Save Lives
Innovating Out of Crisis
Reamde
Burn
The Immortality Key
Joy on Demand
The New Science of Strong Materials
The Invention of Air
When The Facts Change
Shantaram
The Order of Time
Built from Scratch
#AskGaryVee
Blitzscaling
Billion Dollar Whale
100 Best-Loved Poems
Man's Search for Meaning
Perfectly Reasonable Deviations from the Beaten Track
Surely You're Joking Mr. Feynman