Complete Works of Voltaire
48 primary works • 134 total works
Book 2
Despite its importance in Voltaire's oeuvre, and the massive success it enjoyed in the eighteenth century, Voltaire's epic poem La Henriade has frequently been overlooked by critics. This historic critical edition, by O. R. Taylor, first published in 1970, includes a book-length introduction to the poem, with a full treatment of its conception, composition, publishing history and later influence. It also reprints Voltaire's various prefaces, notes and paratexts on the poem, all of which reflect in very different ways the author's view on his poetic masterpiece.
Book 4
"L'Histoire de Charles XII" is Voltaire's first major history, and relates the story of a warrior king, who was to Voltaire the embodiment of the 'hero', admirable for his strength in battle but at the same time tyrannical to the people he had no respect for - a king who stood in sharp contrast to the 'benevolent tyrant' Peter the Great, who had founded an empire of the Enlightenment. Voltaire's view of Charles became massively influential throughout the eighteenth century.
Book 5
1728-1730 were for Voltaire years of self-examination as he returned to the French literary world after his exile in England. His literary output was sparse, as he worked hard to cement his established reputation in the tragic theatre, with plays that attempt to reconcile his admiration for Shakespearian drama with classical training and the expectations of a Parisian audience. These early works, such as Voltaire's bitter denunciation of official prejudice "La Mort de Mademoiselle Lecouvreur", contain the seeds of the social and political philosophy he would work to cohere, centered on hatred of tyranny and superstition, and opposition to war. Contributors: Ahmad Gunny, Robert Niklaus, Nicole Masson and John Renwick.
Book 7
Part of the complete works of the French philosopher, historian and social reformer, Voltaire. This satirical epic poem about Joan of Arc was one of the most contentious works of his career for its criticism of superstition and its irreverent point of view. For students and scholars of the 18th-century Enlightenment.
Book 8
During 1731 and 1732, only certain of Voltaire's closest friends were allowed to know that he was preoccupied with the composition of "Le Mort de Cesar", "Zaire" and "Le Temple du Gout", the major works to be found in this volume and its successor. Other writings kept him very much in the public eye, but when "Zaire" was eventually staged, it proved an immediate, resounding success. These were years of relatively tranquil literary activity for Voltaire, in spite of official harassment, literary quarrels and perennial ill-health. They saw the consolidation of his fame as a dramatist, and the seeds of the historical and scientific interests which would affect the course of his life so profoundly.
Book 9
The year 1733 was the last before the momentous scandal over the "Lettres philosophiques" which led to a new life for Voltaire at Cirey. With hindsight it can be read as a prefatory period, full of restive episodes and apprehension. Even "Zaire", a great success at the Comedie-Francaise in 1732-1733, took on a controversial edge when Voltaire wished to give it to a highly unorthodox, polemical dedication. Similar doubts about Voltaire's respect for authority are inspired by "Le Temple du gout", which was published without official permission from the censors. Despite the unease from both his political and personal disputes, Voltaire's prodigious literary activity continues unabated, and includes philosophical works, satires, poetry and a "Vie de Moliere" which remains fascinating for its encounter of minds between two of France's most gifted comic authors.
Book 10
Part of the complete works of the French philosopher, historian and social reformer, Voltaire. Contains his early successful plays, "Adelaide Du Guesclin" and its subsequent reworkings: "Les Freres ennemis", "Amelie ou le duc de Foix" and "Alamire". For students and scholars of the 18th-century Enlightenment.
Book 12
Le "Siecle de Louis XIV" est l'une des etapes marquantes de la carriere de l'historien-philosophe Voltaire, et la premiere grande synthese consacree au regne de Louis XIV. L'ouvrage marque le debut de l'historiographie moderne ainsi que de l'histoire litteraire. Dans ce volume, Voltaire propose un panorama du monde culturel et litteraire du dix-septieme siecle. On y trouve les biographies des personnalites importantes de la cour, des forces armees et du gouvernement, mais l'essentiel du volume est consacre au catalogue des ecrivains, des artistes et des musiciens qui se distinguerent ou naquirent pendant le regne du roi. Ce catalogue vient etayer la these de Voltaire selon laquelle le rayonnement culturel de la France est venu parachever la gloire du regne du Roi-Soleil. Le texte de Voltaire est enrichi de notes et de commentaires des editeurs scientifiques et est accompagne de 19 illustrations, la plupart provenant des collections du chateau de Versailles, rarement montrees au public. Collaborateurs: Nicholas Cronk, Jean-Alexandre Perras, Francois Moureau, Samuel S. B. Taylor, Diego Venturino, Alain Viala. Cette nouvelle edition critique du Siecle de Louis XIV est publiee en sept tomes (t.11A-13D des OEuvres completes de Voltaire) avec le soutien du Centre de recherche du chateau de Versailles.
Book 14
Following the explosive, unauthorised publication of the "Lettres philosophiques", which revealed a new side of Voltaire to the world, a new chapter of his life began at Cirey with his lover Mme Du Chatelet. Nine years were to pass before he could again live openly in Parisian society. However, this period was among the most creative of Voltaire's life and the multifarious projects of 1734-1735 show an author attacked and exiled but nevertheless able to turn his hand to an astounding range of projects. This volume includes texts as diverse as "Alzire", a tragedy set in sixteenth-century Peru, contrasting the noblest ideals of Christianity to both Incan religion and the dangerous fanaticism of the Conquistadors, the monumental "Traite de metaphysique", and some of Voltaire's first love poems to the marquise Du Chatelet.
Book 15
The "Elements de la philosophie de Newton" constitute Voltaire's most ambitious achievement in the field of scientific exposition, the climax of an enthusiasm for Newton and his discoveries, which had begun in London in the 1720s. Running counter to the Cartesian philosophical and scientific model which had prevailed in France since the 17th century, this astonishing work melded physics with poetry to make Newton's ideas accessible and bring the French scientific community into the 18th century.
Book 16
At the beginning of 1736, Voltaire was at the height of his success, receiving praise from the public and fellow-poets alike. The breathtaking breadth of Voltaire's activity this year ranges from comedy, "L'Enfant Prodigue", and a major philosophical poem, "Le Mondain", to public and private verse, including one of his most arresting satires in "Le Crepinade", aimed at Jean-Baptiste Rousseau. Voltaire relished the diversity of his literary output, as he did the stimulation of his burgeoning scientific interests and lively correspondence. However, despite the popular acclaim, literary quarrels and lawsuits caused continuous tension, forcing Voltaire by the end of the year, to flee France and the 'persecution' his fame had brought him.
Book 17
1737 was a year in which Voltaire was in great danger from his political enemies and in place of literary work, threw himself into Newtonian metaphysics, focussing on an "Essai sur la nature du feu, et sur sa propagation" for the prestigious Academie des sciences annual essay prize. Clarifying his 'systeme de morale' on human happiness and liberty, Voltaire wrote seven "Discours en vers sur l'homme" and was also inspired to write "Le Songe de Platon", a conte philosophique contesting Plato's social ideas. He also began the tragedy most acclaimed during his lifetime, the classically-inspired "Merope".
Book 19
"Anti-Machiavel" is the result of a collaboration between Frederick the Great, King of Prussia, and Voltaire, who edited and expanded upon his patron's essay. It is a chapter-by-chapter rebuttal of "The Prince" and of Machiavellianism in general, with emendations and further developments by Voltaire. This edition contains a full introduction, with a detailed publication history and full analysis of this momentous work.
Book 21
This volume contains the general introduction to Voltaire's work of global history. Written by an international team of experts, the introduction covers the genesis, publication and reception of the work, as well as offering a detailed analysis of Voltaire's historical vision. It also benefits from a full bibliography of editions published in Voltaire's lifetime. An indispensable resource for historians and students of the Enlightenment.
Book 22
Voltaire dresse un panorama du progres humain qui s'ouvre avec l'Orient, retracant le developpement des civilisations, mettant a profit les temoignages des missionnaires chretiens. Il presente d'abord la Chine, les Indes et le Proche-Orient avant d'exposer sa version de l'essor du christianisme - refus flagrant de respecter la suprematie de l'histoire sacree acceptee par ses predecesseurs. Il puise dans les travaux des erudits catholiques et protestants pour refaire l'histoire de l'Europe depuis Charlemagne, montrant a quel point les progres effectues en Europe dans le commerce, le gouvernement et les arts surpassent de loin les accomplissements de la Rome ancienne. L'annotation fournit les references detaillees des sources auxquelles Voltaire avait acces, et s'interesse a l'usage qu'il en a fait. L'ouvrage contient un index des noms propres ainsi qu'un index analytique.
Book 23
C'est 'le plein Moyen Age', du dixieme au quatorzieme siecle, qu'evoque Voltaire dans ces trente chapitres. Structuration et centralisation progressives des differents etats europeens, lutte entre sacerdoce et Empire, chasse aux 'heretiques' et proces des templiers, croisades et Grand Schisme d'Occident en forment l'ossature. Mais l'auteur se livre aussi a une analyse en profondeur des societes et de l'evolution des comportements; evoque les ferments d'avenir, telle par exemple la naissance, au quatorzieme siecle, de la democratie helvetique; et met en evidence les paradoxes parfois cruels de l'histoire, ou les petitesses peu flatteuses de certains de ses acteurs. L'annotation fournit les references detaillees des sources auxquelles Voltaire avait acces, et s'interesse a l'usage qu'il en a fait. L'ouvrage contient un index des noms propres ainsi qu'un index analytique.
Book 24
Preface par Philippe Contamine, et oeuvre d'une quinzaine de chercheurs provenant d'une dizaine de pays europeens, ce tome IV de l'Essai sur les moeurs contient les chapitres 68 a 102, relatifs a la fin du moyen age et aux premices de la modernite. Voltaire y evoque notamment l'epopee cathare, le proces des templiers, le Grand Schisme d'Occident, la remise en question du pouvoir temporel des papes par les souverains, la guerre de Cent Ans, les intrigues italiennes, les progres de la Reconquista espagnole, la predication de Jean Hus, les debuts de la puissance bourguignonne, la prise de Constantinople par les Turcs ottomans, ou encore l'expansion mongole puis turco-mongole en Orient. Comme toujours dans l'Essai, notations et chapitres thematiques emaillent le recit. L'annotation fournit les references detaillees des sources auxquelles Voltaire avait acces, et s'interesse a l'usage qu'il en a fait. L'ouvrage contient un index des noms propres ainsi qu'un index analytique. Collaborateurs: Dimitris Apostolopoulos, Jesus Astigarraga, Bruno Bernard, Karen Chidwick, Philippe Contamine, Nicholas Cronk, Henri Duranton, Janet Godden, Gianluigi Goggi, James Hanrahan, Ursula Haskins Gonthier, Gerard Laudin, Kate Marsh, Myrtille Mericam-Bourdet, Michel Mervaud, Olga Penke, John Renwick, Francoise Tilkin, Elizabeth Zachariadou.
Book 25
Ce tome qui fait le pont entre le quinzieme et le seizieme siecle, traite de l'empereur Charles Quint et Francois Ier de France, ainsi que de la Renaissance et des causes et implications de la Reformation en Europe. Comme dans les trois premiers tomes du texte, Voltaire dresse un tableau concis et spirituel des evenements les plus connus de l'histoire politique de l'Europe, et parfois d'autres regions du monde. Sa perspective est celle du spectateur face a la comedie de l'histoire humaine, signalant 'la faiblesse humaine', 'la stupidite humaine' et 'les caprices de l'esprit humain'. L'annotation fournit les references detaillees des sources auxquelles Voltaire avait acces, et s'interesse a l'usage qu'il en a fait. L'ouvrage contient un index des noms propres ainsi qu'un index analytique.
Book 27
L'Essai sur les moeurs est une oeuvre complexe, aux contours mouvants. Comme le demontre l'ensemble de textes disparates reunis dans ce volume, Voltaire revient sans cesse a l'Essai, et l'evolution de l'oeuvre n'est aucunement lineaire. Une serie de complements a notre texte de base (l'edition dite 'encadree' de 1775) est donc presentee ici: trois textes parus dans l'edition encadree en guise de supplements; un premier Plan de l'oeuvre, qui date de 1745; des articles de journaux et des lettres qui s'inscrivent dans le cadre du debat autour de l'edition non autorisee de l'Abrege, parue en 1753; 'Le Chapitre des arts', projet d'une section de l'Essai restee a l'etat d'esquisse, dont la toute premiere edition critique est presentee ici; et des textes parus apres 1760 dans lesquels Voltaire repond a des critiques de l'oeuvre. Enfin, une description de l'index (par Simon Bigex) qui accompagne l'edition encadree de 1775; et les notes et remarques sur l'Essai redigees par Wagniere apres la mort de Voltaire completent ce recueil de textes annexes. Dans l'ensemble ces textes ajoutent a la toile de fond du developpement de l'Essai et de sa presentation. Ce volume se termine par une edition des Fragments sur l'histoire generale (1773) ou Voltaire privilegie les aspects de l'Essai qui s'etaient averes les plus controverses. Voltaire, combatif, rassure son public qu'il n'avait en rien renie les elements majeurs de sa philosophie de l'histoire.
Book 33
Ce volume contient les articles que Voltaire redigea pour l'Encyclopedie, ainsi que ceux pour la quatrieme edition du Dictionnaire de l'Academie (1762).