Dictionnaire philosophique

by Voltaire

Other authorsRené Pomeau (Editor)

Paper Book, 1994

Status

Available

Call number

103

Genres

Collection

Your library

Publication

Paris, GF Flammarion

Description

Voltaire's Philosophical Dictionary, first published in 1764, is a series of short, radical essays - alphabetically arranged - that form a brilliant and bitter analysis of the social and religious conventions that then dominated eighteenth-century French thought. One of the masterpieces of the Enlightenment, this enormously influential work of sardonic wit - more a collection of essays arranged alphabetically, than a conventional dictionary - considers such diverse subjects as Abraham and Atheism, Faith and Freedom of Thought, Miracles and Moses. Repeatedly condemned by civil and religious authorities, Voltaire's work argues passionately for the cause of reason and justice, and criticizes Christian theology and contemporary attitudes towards war and society - and claims, as he regards the world around him- 'common sense is not so common'.… (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member kat_adams

This is a gem of a book.

I can't compete with any reviewers, but I can say that I read part of this book to my husbands grandmother (she's over 80), and she asked for a big text copy for herself.

2 more

LibraryThing member gbsallery

In this volume, Voltaire is a better observer than he is philosopher; many of the entries are poorly thought out and inconsistent, but written with his characteristic wit and flair. Not his best work, but it does paint an interesting picture of the values of his time.

LibraryThing member PickledOnion42

Voltaire's Philosophical Dictionary is not what one would necessarily expect of a 'philosophical' work and it is certainly not a dictionary in the common understanding of the term; it is in fact an anthology of short pieces on an impressively wide array of subjects. (I mention this for the benefit

of those totally unfamiliar with the work).

That brief clarification aside, I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the pieces contained within the 400 pages of the Theodore Besterman translation. Having previously read the Penguin Great Ideas edition ('Miracles and Idolatry', comprised of a selection of 28 of the pieces) I had assumed that the rest of the work would pale in comparison – Penguin would surely have selected only the 28 best bits? But no! I am pleased to report that although Penguin had indeed selected the 28 most entertaining examples for their 'Great Ideas' series, the rest of the work is of equally high quality. Voltaire's mastery of subtle (and not so subtle) irony is both wonderful and devastating; his courage in publishing is entirely admirable; his wit is effective and endearing; and his high-grade intellect is undeniably brilliant. All these personal characteristics and more combine to produce an altogether truly great work that I am sure I shall return to for both entertainment and enlightenment.

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