The Life of Voltaire Book

1892. A volume on the fascinating life of Voltaire, whose intelligence, wit and style made him one of France's greatest writers and philosophers. His humorous verses made him a favorite in society circles. But, his sharp wit got him into trouble with the authorities. He was exiled to England for having written a scathing satire of the French government. There, he became interested in the philosophical rationalism of the time, and in the study of the natural sciences. After returning to Paris, he wrote a book praising English customs and institutions, which again forced him to leave Paris. Voltaire worked continuously throughout the years, producing a constant flow of books, plays, other publications and hundreds of letters to his friends. His estate, Ferney, became the intellectual capital of Europe. Voltaire returned to Paris, a hero, at age 83. The excitement of the trip was too much for him and he died in Paris.