Voltaire: A Sketch of His Life and Works

Name: Voltaire: A Sketch of His Life and Works
Author: J. M. Wheeler

By J. M. Wheeler

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About This Book

The volume sketches the subject’s life from childhood and education through episodes of imprisonment, exile, foreign sojourns, and domestic retreats, charting the production of major writings and the circumstances of his later years while offering contemporary tributes and character assessments. It pairs the biographical narrative with curated selections of his prose and verse that illustrate recurring concerns: history and politics, war and population, critiques of religious authority and superstition, satire and moral reflection, and brief detached aphorisms. Together the sketches and extracts portray a public career devoted to reason, toleration, and literary engagement.

About the Author

J. M. Wheeler

J. M. Wheeler was an author known for his critical examination of religious and philosophical themes. His notable works include "A Biographical Dictionary of Freethinkers of All Ages and Nations," which highlights influential thinkers who challenged traditional beliefs. Wheeler's writings often delve into the intersections of religion, culture, and history, as seen in titles like "Bible Studies: Essays on Phallic Worship and Other Curious Rites and Customs" and "The Christian Doctrine of Hell." He also contributed to the understanding of Enlightenment figures, particularly in his sketch of Voltaire's life and works. Through his diverse essays and critiques, Wheeler has made a significant impact on discussions surrounding freethought and skepticism.