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
The Trap
The Amber Spyglass
The Columbian Exchange
Mindfulness
With All Due Respect
Information
Ford vs. Ferrari
San Fransicko
Influence
The Transit of Venus
Physics of the Impossible
Other People's Money
The Art Of Doing Science And Engineering
Game of Thorns
Facing Codependence
Freakonomics
Bitcoin
Son of the Morning Star
Heaven on Earth
Lenin
The Gray Lady Winked
Self Belief
The Reluctant Mr. Darwin
Seeker
One of a Kind
Stuff and Nonsense
The Golden Trade of the Moors
Farsighted
The German Generals Talk
Zen Mind, Beginners Mind
The World That Wasn't
Search Inside Yourself
Blink
Chapterhouse: Dune
The Upside of Inequality
Be Here Now
The Great Gatsby
Nonviolent Communication
United States of Socialism
First Friends
Lean In
The Writing Life
How To Live
Putin's Kleptocracy
Job Stacking
Life in the English Country House
Private Truths, Public Lies
Save The Cat!
Adultery
If The Universe Is Teeming With Aliens...Where Is Everybody?
Rock On
We Are The Nerds
Marc's Mission
The Story of Civilization: The Age of Reason Begins
I Will Teach You To Be Rich
Sex, Ecology, Spirituality
The Book of Nothing
The Last Lecture
Ice Age
Home Economics
Opportunity Knocks
History of the World
Value Investing
Not Fade Away
Nixonland
Ponzi's Scheme
Necessary Dreams
Fleishman Is In Trouble
The Spy and The Traitor
Hoover Dam
One Monster After Another
Count Down
Of Wolves and Men
The Cost Of Hope
The Things They Carried
Alchemy
Execution
The Bottomless Well
Blitzscaling
Thinking with Type
The Book of Life
Certain To Win
Just Mercy
V for Vendetta
The River of Doubt
The Paris Architect
The Heart
The Madness of Crowds
Living With A SEAL
Four Quartets
Gay Like Me
Common Stocks and Uncommon Profits
Diocletian and the Roman Recovery
COAN
Ready Player One
Look to Windward
Hamlet
The Storm of Steel
Whiplash
The Sovereign Individual