Emile
Emile, or On Education, published in 1762, was condemned and burned in Paris and Geneva and forced Jean-Jacques Rousseau into exile, chiefly for its chapter on natural religion, the Profession of Faith of a Savoyard Vicar. The book follows an imaginary pupil from infancy to marriage under the care of a tutor who shields him from books and precepts and lets him learn from things, from his own experience, and from the consequences of his actions. Each of the five books corresponds to a stage of life; the last concerns Sophie, the girl educated to be Emile's companion, and has drawn sharp criticism ever since. Rousseau called it his best and most important work, and modern education descends from it. It is available to read online in your browser on Vinteuil, with the first chapter free.
Start reading right away, without signing up. The complete text is included in Vinteuil Reading, or yours forever with a one-time purchase.
Frequently asked questions about Emile
Emile by Jean-Jacques Rousseau can be read online on Vinteuil, directly in your browser. The first chapter is free for everyone; the complete book is included in Vinteuil Reading ($4.99/month or $39.99/year) or yours forever for $2.99.
Can I read Emile online?
Yes. Emile opens right on this page, in a reader designed for long reading: adjustable text size, light, sepia and dark themes, a clickable table of contents and your place saved when you are signed in. No download or app is needed.
Is Emile free to read on Vinteuil?
The first chapter of Emile is free, without an account. To read the whole book, either buy its online reading for $2.99 (£2.99 in the UK) and keep it forever, or subscribe to Vinteuil Reading for $4.99/month (£4.99/month in the UK) or $39.99/year, with 1 month free for new subscribers. The subscription opens every book in the library and can be cancelled at any time.
Is Emile in the public domain?
Yes. Emile by Jean-Jacques Rousseau is a public-domain work. Vinteuil offers a carefully prepared digital edition made for comfortable reading on screen.
How long does it take to read Emile?
About 16 h 48 min of reading, at an average reading pace. Your place is saved automatically when you are signed in, so you can read in several sittings and on several devices.
What kind of book is Emile?
Emile by Jean-Jacques Rousseau is filed under "Classics" in the Vinteuil library.
