The Age of Voltaire

A History of Civlization in Western Europe from 1715 to 1756, with Special Emphasis on the Conflict between Religion and Philosophy

By: Will Durant, Ariel Durant

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

The Age of Voltaire, the ninth volume of The Story of Civilization, is an in-depth examination of France and England in the first half of the 18th century. In this masterful work, listeners will encounter:

• The English ideas that inspired the Enlightenment in France - skepticism, scientific experiment, constitutional government, "natural rights", and individual liberty
• The salons of Paris, where the wits and thinkers of all Europe gathered to exchange ideas
• The philosophers - intellectuals, playwrights, and poets who consulted and consorted with kings and queens
• Voltaire himself - the incarnation of the Enlightenment and a devotee of reason who still defended religious faith
• Mme. Pompadour, patron of the philosophers, who seduced King Louis XV and through him influenced French policy
• The Augustan Age in English literature - Alexander Pope's poetry, Jonathan Swift's satires, and the novels of Samuel Richardson and Henry Fielding

©2015 Will and Ariel Durant (P)2015 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Amazing work and story

I thought you couldn't top The Age of Louis XIV, but this story had me riveted until the last page and wanting more. I came to love Voltaire and his work despite the fact he is often slandered as an atheist. I love how Durant tiptoes around Rousseau and the Revolution and leaves me excited to binge listen to his next volume.

My favorite book of my favorite series

Who needs fiction, when the lives of our ancestors are so interesting? If you want a deep dive into every movement of Voltaire’s life, this is not the book for you. But if you want to know how Voltaire became Voltaire, and how he impacted the world and cultures around him, you cannot beat this narrative.

The Most Exquisite History Series

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Definitely. I have read dozens of books on world history, and none compare to the thoroughness, insight into the nature of man via history, and philosophical perspectives and penmanship of Will Durant.

Who was your favorite character and why?

N/A

What about Grover Gardner’s performance did you like?

Excellent narrator. His pace, tone, and inflections seem to communicate the meaning of the author's words in an enthusiastic, effective, and effortless manner.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

N/A

Again, My Education Was So Inadequate

Once again I was thouroughly impressed with the author's level of detail and comparisons of the figures and generational contributions addressed in his works. I have a new understanding of how integral, important and controversial religion was in times passed. We in the States grow up with a life of freedom of choice and built in seperation of church and state which is taken for granted to that freedom end. Not so in history. And we are still today grappling with how and why are we here.

Still the degradation of humanity

This part continues to show the conflict between wisdom, religion and secularism. Behind all this is the motivation for wealth, power and the unreachable illusion of freedom and happiness.

Having listened to the series since the beginning, the author presents an excellent continued history of the social developments as population and societies and ethnic groups evolve.

My point of view as of now is that humans are a sorry species. But the Story of Civilization is an excellent gem.

Voltaire and the expansion of modern philosophy

This work is a change of pace in the Durants’ wonderful history series. It documents Voltaire and the change in European philosophy that led to changes in religion and monarchy in Europe. These changes also influenced those in other countries, including the Americas. I enjoyed this emphasis on philosophy and how it overcame those who tried to suppress fundamental rights that we often take for granted today.

Age of Voltaire

Having not read the history of Europe before, I didn't know quite what to expect of Voltaire.
I voyaged into it as a continuation of the excellent research and writing ability of Will and Ariel Durant.
Now I have completed five of his books and hope to continue for the remainder of my life.
I find his writing a living history of time that preceded me. What a joy of detail!
Dr Coyle DeMoss

Faith and Reason

The volume deals with the European civilization in XVII and early XVIII centuries. Beginning with France, the work examines Holland, England and the European’s landscape. Durant’s text pays great attention to the development of art, literature, science, philosophy and, above all, to the relationship between faith and reason. The progressive emancipation of reason and the development of the scientific method is the book’s leitmotiv. The story gives the reader a detailed picture of the Europe in the second half of sixteenth century. It examines the work and life of the (french) philosophers, specially Voltaire, d’Alembert and Diderot. As always a well informed and readable work.

Another fantastic volume

Will Durant with another fine work. I’ll be listening to this again in the future.

Another great volume in an impressive series

Detailed, balanced, insightful. Humanizes historical figures in a relatable, timeless style. Amazing how Will and Ariel accomplished so much.