Baron d'Holbach : a Study of Eighteenth Century Radicalism in France

The study examines the life, character, and social networks of an influential eighteenth-century radical, then surveys his numerous translations, scientific and miscellaneous writings, and original essays attacking religious and moral orthodoxy. It offers a close analysis of his principal systematic treatise, outlines its philosophical tenets, and reviews contemporary responses and critiques. The work catalogs translations of German and English authors, contributions to encyclopedic projects, and various pamphlets, and it reproduces unpublished correspondence in an appendix. Detailed endnotes and bibliographies provide documentary support for situating the author's critique of religion and society within broader intellectual debates of the period.