Voltaire: The Universal Man - Softcover

Parker, Derek

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22 ratings by Goodreads

9780750934411: Voltaire: The Universal Man

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0750934417 ISBN 13: 9780750934411

Publisher: Sutton Pub Ltd, 2006

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Voltaire: The Universal Man is the dramatic life of a key Enlightenment figure, and France's greatest philosopher. Francois Marie Arouet (pen name Voltaire) was born on November 21, 1694 in Paris. He left school at 16 and soon made friends among the Parisian aristocrats where his humorous verses made him a favourite in society circles. However, his satirical wit got him in trouble and he was exiled from France on several occasions, imprisoned twice in the Bastille, and beaten by chevalier de Rohan-Chabot's men after making a public remark which caused that gentleman to look foolish. When back in France Voltaire, who was a millionaire by the age of forty, restored the run-down Chateau de Cirey and began one of the greatest intellectual and romantic relationships of the 18th century with Emilie de Breteuil. Under the patronage of Madame de Pompadour, he became official royal historian. Yet, upon his death, he was denied church burial. In 1814 a right-wing religious group stole his remains and dumped them in a garbage heap.

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About the Author:

Derek Parker is a writer and reviewer, whose work includes travel guides and historical biographies. His previous books include Nell Gwyn, Cellini and Casanova, all for Sutton Publishing. He lives in Sydney, Australia and London, UK.

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