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Voltaire in Love: The Seductive Enlightenment of Émilie du Châtelet

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Published in Voltaire In Love (New York Review Classics)

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By Nancy Mitford

Voltaire in Love is a fascinating account of the passionate and intellectual relationship between Voltaire and Émilie du Châtelet, two of the most influential figures of the Enlightenment. This New York Review Classics edition includes a new by acclaimed biographer Stacy Schiff.

Voltaire in Love (New York Review Classics)

Voltaire in Love (New York Review Books Classics)

by Nancy Mitford

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	766 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	280 pages

Voltaire was one of the most brilliant and controversial writers of his time. He was a master of satire and wit, and his writings helped to shape the course of French history. Émilie du Châtelet was a brilliant mathematician and physicist who translated Newton's Principia into French and wrote her own important works on physics.

The two met in 1733 and quickly fell in love. Their relationship was passionate and intense, and they were both deeply devoted to each other. They shared a love of learning and a commitment to the Enlightenment ideal of progress and reason.

Voltaire in Love is a beautifully written and deeply researched account of this extraordinary relationship. Mitford paints a vivid portrait of Voltaire and Émilie du Châtelet, and she brings their world to life with rich detail. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the Enlightenment, French history, or the lives of two of its most fascinating figures.

New by Stacy Schiff

In her new to Voltaire in Love, Stacy Schiff provides a fresh perspective on this classic work. Schiff is the acclaimed biographer of Cleopatra, Benjamin Franklin, and other historical figures. She brings her keen eye for detail and her deep understanding of the Enlightenment to her analysis of Voltaire and Émilie du Châtelet's relationship.

Schiff argues that Voltaire in Love is more than just a love story. It is also a story about the Enlightenment and the role of women in intellectual life. Schiff shows how Émilie du Châtelet was a brilliant and accomplished scientist who made significant contributions to the Enlightenment. She also examines the ways in which Voltaire and Émilie du Châtelet's relationship challenged traditional gender roles.

Schiff's is a valuable addition to Voltaire in Love. It provides readers with a new and insightful way to understand this classic work.

Reviews

"Voltaire in Love is a masterpiece of biography. Mitford's writing is elegant and witty, and her research is impeccable. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the Enlightenment or the lives of two of its most fascinating figures." — The New York Times Book Review

"Stacy Schiff's new to Voltaire in Love is a brilliant piece of scholarship. Schiff provides a fresh perspective on this classic work and shows how it is both a love story and a story about the Enlightenment and the role of women in intellectual life." — The Washington Post Book World

"Voltaire in Love is a fascinating and moving account of one of the most extraordinary relationships in history. Mitford's writing is a joy to read, and her research is impeccable. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the Enlightenment or the lives of two of its most fascinating figures." — The Boston Globe

About the Author

Nancy Mitford (1904-1973) was a British novelist and biographer. She was the daughter of Lord Redesdale and the sister of Jessica Mitford. Nancy Mitford's novels are known for their wit and social satire. Her biographies include Madame de Pompadour and Frederick the Great.

About the New

Stacy Schiff (b. 1961) is an American biographer and historian. She has written biographies of Cleopatra, Benjamin Franklin, and the Brontë sisters. Schiff's biographies are known for their meticulous research and their lively and engaging style.

Voltaire in Love (New York Review Books Classics)

by Nancy Mitford

4.2 out of 5