Diderot and the Encyclopædists (Vol 1 of 2)   By: John Morley (1838-1923)

In Diderot and the Encyclopædists, John Morley delves into the fascinating world of eighteenth-century France, exploring the intellectual revolution that shaped the Enlightenment. In this first volume of his two-part biography, Morley skillfully brings to life the figures who were instrumental in the creation of the famous Encyclopédie, a groundbreaking publication that challenged the established order and laid the foundations for modern thought.

The book draws readers into the stimulating intellectual environment of the time, providing a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of the ideas, debates, and controversies that surrounded the Encyclopédie project. Morley's meticulous research is evident throughout, as he meticulously details the lives and contributions of key figures such as Denis Diderot, Jean le Rond d'Alembert, and François Marie Arouet, commonly known as Voltaire.

One of the most captivating aspects of this biography is the insight it offers into the individuals behind the Encyclopédie. Morley takes great care in portraying the complex personalities and motivations of these thinkers, exploring not only their intellectual pursuits but also their personal lives and political involvements. By doing so, he provides a well-rounded picture of the individuals and the social dynamics that shaped the Enlightenment.

Morley's writing style is engaging and accessible, making it easy for readers to follow the intricate web of ideas and events that unfolded during this period. He effortlessly weaves together historical context, philosophical discussions, and biographical narratives, creating a vivid tapestry of the intellectual movement that forever changed the course of Western thought.

What sets Diderot and the Encyclopædists apart is its ability to present the broader social and political context in which these ideas took root. Morley demonstrates how the Encyclopédie became a battleground for ideas, challenging the authority of the Church, the monarchy, and the established intellectual elite. By emphasizing the importance of this project as a catalyst for social change, Morley reinforces the idea that the Enlightenment was not solely an abstract intellectual exercise but a deeply transformative force that impacted society at large.

While Morley's extensive research and attention to detail are commendable, at times, the abundance of names, dates, and references may be overwhelming for readers who are less familiar with the period. However, this minor drawback is easily outweighed by the author's clear passion for the subject matter and his ability to convey complex ideas in an accessible manner.

Overall, Diderot and the Encyclopædists is an absorbing and enlightening read that offers a multidimensional understanding of the Enlightenment. Morley's scholarship and storytelling prowess combine to create a work that not only provides a comprehensive account of the Encyclopédie's creation but also highlights its societal implications. By shedding light on the lives and ideas of these trailblazing intellectuals, Morley ensures that their contributions to the intellectual and social progress of humanity are aptly celebrated.

First Page:

The present work closes a series of studies on the literary preparation for the French Revolution. It differs from the companion volumes on Voltaire and Rousseau, in being much more fully descriptive. In the case of those two famous writers, every educated reader knows more or less of their performances. Of Diderot and his circle, such knowledge cannot be taken for granted, and I have therefore thought it best to occupy a considerable space, which I hope that those who do me the honour to read these pages will not find excessive, with what is little more than transcript or analysis. Such a method will at least enable the reader to see what those ideas really were, which the social and economic condition of France on the eve of the convulsion made so welcome to men. The shortcomings of the encyclopædic group are obvious enough. They have lately been emphasised in the ingenious and one sided exaggerations of that brilliant man of letters, Mr. Taine. The social significance and the positive quality of much of their writing is more easily missed, and this side of their work it has been one of my principal objects, alike in the case of Voltaire, of Rousseau, and of Diderot, to bring into the prominence that it deserves in the history of opinion... Continue reading book >>