Voltaire (François-Marie Arouet ) (1694-1778)

Death: 30th May 1778
Location: Panthéon, Paris, Ile-de-France, France
Photo taken by: DeadGoodBooks
Buy books by Voltaire

French writer and philosopher. Known for his wit, philosophical writings, and defense of civil liberties he is considered to be one of the most influential figures of his time.
His father was a notary who insisted that his son was educated in law. Voltaire pretended to work as a lawyer's assistant, but much of his time was spent writing poetry. His satirical wit made him popular amongst aristocratic families, but it also brought him trouble. On one occasion it resulted in his imprisonment, on another he went to England for three years in exile.
He was a prolific writer, and produced works in almost every literary form, plays, poetry, novels, essays, historical and scientific works, pamphlets, and over 20,000 letters. The work that he is best remembered for is Candide, ou l'Optimisme/Candide, or Optimism.
His body was interred in the Panthéon in 1791, but very little of him is actually there. His heart, a foot, two teeth and brain have been taken as private relics at various times. It is also alleged that his bones were removed by religious extremists in 1814.

Comments