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Voltaire

By Georg Brandes
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French Literature

About This Book

The essay presents a critical portrait of a celebrated Enlightenment writer as the emblematic voice of his nation and century, comparing him with Cicero and Aretino and tracing responses from contemporaries and later critics such as Lessing, Byron, Oehlenschläger, and Grundtvig. It examines his legal and social position, anonymous and polemical methods, and wide-ranging output—satire, drama, history, and popular science—described as an orchestral whole. The author assesses the subject's engagement with natural science, poetic gifts, and relation to religious reformers and literary figures like Luther and Faust.

About the Author

Brandes, Georg portrait

Georg Brandes

Georg Brandes (1842-1927) was a Danish literary critic and essayist, known for his influential role in introducing modern literary ideas to Scandinavia. He is particularly recognized for his extensive work, "Main Currents in Nineteenth Century Literature," which analyzes the evolution of literature during that period across various countries. Brandes championed naturalism and realism, advocating for a more critical and analytical approach to literature. His biographical studies, including those of notable figures like Anatole France and Friedrich Nietzsche, reflect his deep engagement with contemporary thought. In addition to his critical work, Brandes also penned autobiographical reflections in "Recollections of My Childhood and Youth," offering insights into his formative years.

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