Voltaire
Voltaire, known for his wit and criticism of Christianity and slavery, was a prominent writer of the Enlightenment.
Francois Marie Arouet
Non-Fiction Writer
1694
May 30, 1778
84
Paris, France
François-Marie Arouet, better known by his pen name Voltaire, was a prominent French Enlightenment writer, philosopher, and social critic. Renowned for his sharp wit, he was an outspoken critic of Christianity, especially the Roman Catholic Church, and a vocal opponent of slavery. Among his most famous works are “Candide” and “Letters Concerning the English Nation”, both of which satirized the religious and political establishments of his era. Voltaire’s other notable works and accomplishments include “Zaïre”, “The Age of Louis XIV”, and his contributions to the Encyclopédie. His experiences of being imprisoned in the Bastille twice significantly influenced his writing and political views.