THE AGE OF LOUIS XIV (eBook)

Voltaire, born François-Marie Arouet on November 21, 1694, in Paris, France, was a towering figure of the Enlightenment era, known for his wit, satirical works, and defense of civil liberties. A prolific writer, he produced works in almost every literary form, including plays, poems, novels, essays, and historical and scientific narratives. Voltaire gained recognition with his sharp criticism of the establishment and his advocacy for freedom of speech and religion, which often led him into trouble with authorities, including imprisonment in the Bastille. His travels to England had a profound influence on his thought and literary style, which is well-reflected in his historical work 'The Age of Louis XIV' where he chronicled the life and reign of the Sun King, presenting it within the broader context of European cultural and political history. Recognized for his engaging prose and clarity of thought, Voltaire's contributions extended beyond literature to philosophy and social reform. His legacy continues to be vital, with themes from his works resonating in contemporary discourse on tolerance, reasoning, and the critique of dogmatism and oppression. Voltaire died on May 30, 1778, in Paris, but his intellectual heritage endures.