Voltaire's Philosophical Dictionary
Voltaire published the Dictionnaire philosophique portatif in 1764, anonymously and in a form small enough to hide, and enlarged it through later editions; it was burned in Geneva and Paris and condemned in Rome. Arranged alphabetically, from Adultery to Why?, its short articles on Atheism, Beauty, Books, Dogmas, Fanaticism, Liberty, Miracles, Tolerance and much else turn learning, anecdote and mockery against religious cruelty and received opinion. Voltaire intended, as he says in his preface, a book that need not be read straight through but could be opened anywhere. This English selection gives over a hundred articles, enough to show his range and his method. It is available to read online in your browser on Vinteuil, with the opening pages 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 Voltaire's Philosophical Dictionary
Voltaire's Philosophical Dictionary by Voltaire 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 Voltaire's Philosophical Dictionary online?
Yes. Voltaire's Philosophical Dictionary 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 Voltaire's Philosophical Dictionary free to read on Vinteuil?
The first chapter of Voltaire's Philosophical Dictionary 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 Voltaire's Philosophical Dictionary in the public domain?
Yes. Voltaire's Philosophical Dictionary by Voltaire 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 Voltaire's Philosophical Dictionary?
About 5 h 44 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 Voltaire's Philosophical Dictionary?
Voltaire's Philosophical Dictionary by Voltaire is filed under "Philosophy" in the Vinteuil library.
