G.W. Foote and J.M. Wheeler's "Voltaire: A Sketch of His Life and Works" offers a concise yet insightful portrait of the iconic Enlightenment figure. The biography traces Voltaire's tumultuous journey, from his early life and education to his repeated clashes with French authorities, resulting in imprisonment and exile. The authors illuminate his unwavering commitment to truth and justice, his sharp wit, and his masterful use of satire in works like Candide and Zadig. They explore his relentless critique of religious intolerance, censorship, and absolutism, highlighting his crucial role in championing reason, freedom of expression, and human rights. This insightful sketch reveals Voltaire not merely as a prolific writer, but as a transformative force whose ideas profoundly shaped the 18th century and continue to resonate today.
Review Voltaire
As a huge Voltaire enthusiast, I was thrilled to finally get my hands on "Voltaire: A Sketch of His Life and Works" by Foote and Wheeler. My expectations were, admittedly, quite high, and while the book largely delivered, I have a few mixed feelings I'd like to share. Let me start by saying a massive thank you – I genuinely appreciate having access to another resource that explores the life and thought of this fascinating figure. I'm always eager to delve deeper into his incredible impact on history, and this book certainly offered opportunities for that.
The biographical approach, tracing Voltaire's early life, his clashes with authority, and the evolution of his thought, is expertly handled. The authors effectively paint a portrait of a man relentlessly driven by his principles – his unwavering pursuit of truth and justice in the face of immense opposition is truly inspiring. I found myself completely engrossed in the descriptions of his imprisonment and exile, feeling a palpable sense of the dangers he faced and the courage he displayed in the face of censorship and religious persecution. The book does an excellent job of showcasing the wit and satire that characterized his writing, skillfully linking his literary works like Candide and Zadig back to the broader context of his life and struggles. The analysis of his philosophical contributions – his championing of reason, freedom of expression, and human rights – felt both insightful and timely, making his impact strikingly relevant to our current world. The authors convincingly demonstrate how Voltaire's ideas laid the groundwork for modern secularism and liberal thought.
However, I must admit, my reading experience was somewhat hampered by a significant drawback: the print size. It was, to put it mildly, minuscule. So unbelievably small, in fact, that I initially wondered if it was some sort of elaborate prank! I chuckled at the thought of being "punk'd" with such a tiny typeface, but the humor quickly faded as my eyes strained to decipher the text. For someone of a certain age (and trust me, many of us who are interested in Voltaire fall into that category), the need for reading glasses is a given. But even with my strongest prescription, the print was a considerable challenge. I’m afraid it severely impacted my enjoyment and ability to fully immerse myself in the rich detail the authors were trying to convey. A larger print edition would be a game-changer, making this valuable work accessible to a much wider audience – a change I truly believe is warranted.
Despite this significant issue, I found the cover design pleasing to the eye – a nice touch. And let me reiterate my initial sentiment – I appreciate the effort put into creating this biography. I found myself completely lost in the narrative, striving to absorb as much detail as possible, building a mental picture of Voltaire's life and work in my mind. I do hope future editions will address the accessibility issues. For anyone with good eyesight and a thirst for understanding Voltaire, this is a worthwhile read. But for those of us who might need a little larger font to fully appreciate the intellectual journey, I'd strongly suggest waiting to see if a more reader-friendly version emerges.
Information
- Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.24 x 8.5 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 96
- Publication date: 2024
Book table of contents
- INTRODUCTION
- PREFACE
- EARLY LIFE
- HEGIRA TO ENGLAND
- EXAMPLES FROM ENGLAND
- AT CIREY
- "CANDIDE"
- THE ENCYCLOP AEDIA
- LAST DAYS
- HIS CHARACTER AND SER VICES
- TRIBUTES TO VOLTARRE
- SELECTIONS FROM VOLTAIRE'S WORKS
- Wars
- Politics
- The Population Question
Preview Book
