Voltaire's Revolution: Writings from His Campaign to Free Laws from Religion

by G.K. Noyer (Introduction)

Voltaire, the pen name of François-Marie Arouet (1694-1778), was one of the most influential leaders of the Enlightenment. This book presents English translations of key writings from Voltaire's legendary campaign for tolerance which forcefully drove the movement to grant freedom of beliefs and end state-imposed religions. Many of these writings have long been unavailable in English. John Adams wrote that Voltaire "did more for religious liberty than Calvin, Luther or even Locke."

Originally published under pseudonyms to avoid imprisonment, many of these tracts were burned in a losing battle by the authorities. The book includes the rarely-cited “Sermon of Rabbi Akib” (a searing attack on anti-Semitism),  the hugely popular deistic “Prayer to God”, “Catechism of the Honest Man,” and other witty, at times acerbic pieces that point out the errors in the Bible, the corruption of the clergy, and religiously-inspired persecutions across the ages.

With a well-annotated introduction, plus an appendix including first-hand accounts of the battle by noted mathematician and French revolutionary Condorcet, Frederick the Great, Oliver Goldsmith, and others, this excellent compilation will be a welcome addition to the libraries of anyone with an interest in the history of freedom of thought or in arguments still pertinent today.

"... a master of writing and rhetoric, whether ironic or earnest. Voltaire speaks easily to his modern readers, with criticisms that are as insightful today as they were over two hundred years ago." - Gretchen Wagner, San Diego Book Review

"I count myself as a Voltaire enthusiast but had never bothered to unearth some of these gems. No other book offers such a lively collection of Voltairian prose in so few pages." - Michael Johnson, Facts and Arts

"It would be nice to think that "Voltaire's Revolution" will add to the ranks of (his) admirers. If this much wit and brilliance (all adroitly translated) can't manage that, probably nothing can." - Steve Donoghue, Open Letters Monthly.

Genres: History, Philosophy, Religion, Politics, Nonfiction

397 pages, Paperback

First published July 14, 2015

About the author

A writer from Michigan, where she wrote for a PBS affiliate and radio, GK Noyer lives in France (not because of Voltaire, but it helped the research). Predominantly a TV scriptwriter and translator for years, this is her first book, and the 20+ years of research it reflects was first undertaken in view of writing a screenplay on Voltaire. A few years back, the discovery of the near disappearance of the Enlightenment from our schoolbooks along with the increasing polarization over religion then suggested that this book might be a better place to start. Here are a couple of reviews that offer more details: http://www.openlettersmonthly.com/boo...
and http://www.factsandarts.com/essays/g-...

More links and info are available on the GK Noyer Facebook page.

Reviews

[Amelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever wondered how the separation of church and state came into play? Look to Voltaire. In fact, look to this book in particular. These translated pamphlets put into perspective some of the ludicrous laws the Church invented in order to maintain power over the masses. Voltaire was the only one brave enough to argue them. As a result, his ideas helped give birth to the Enlightenment, which in turn gave birth to the American Constitution. The author's translations reveal not only Voltaire's highly advanced intellect, but also his clever sense of humor. A must-read for anyone who is curious about how we came to be what we are today.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of these pieces were better than others. I'm a huge Voltaire fan, but I'm not so sure about this translation. However, the point of this book is that many of these have not been translated to English before.

[Jack Youngkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Voltaire is in all probably the most stalwart advocate for personal freedoms in history. Any person this maligned by the establishment aristocracy and main stream theologians deserves accolades for advancing human civilization. Revered highly by Adams, Jefferson, and Franklin.

[Tylor James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Voltaire --- a most wonderful human being! His awesome intelligence, sardonic wit, and excellent virtues are revealed throughout these personal essays, letters, first-hand accounts written by those fortunate to have met Voltaire, and other historical documents included in this collection, tastefully edited (with the inclusion of a wonderful introduction) by G.K. Noyer.

I am reminded of Harlan Ellison's column series, "An Edge in My Voice", solely due to a shared virtue/characteristic among these two men --- that of eternal vigilance in the face of corruption, superstition, and injustice.

It's of little inconsequence that I disagree with Voltaire on some of his ideas regarding Deism and atheism. What remains important is that Voltaire fought with great courage and perseverance (in a time when it was life-threatening to criticize the church) against the bloody tyranny and injustices of religion, the absurdities it has caused people to believe, and the atrocities it has caused people to commit.

Voltaire's writing style is simple, strong, and a sheer delight to read. His posterity, I believe, has been assured all the more due of these accessible qualities.

By all accounts, he was a nearly fearless man of virtue, empath for the oppressed, and general doer of good deeds. In the appendix of "Voltaire's Revolution", readers will discover a number of touching eulogies for Voltaire, but what I perhaps enjoyed most were the letters by Madame Suard, detailing her love and adoration for the old philosopher in his twilight years, during her visits to Voltaire's home in Ferney.

One thing, above all, remains quite certain: Voltaire is among the very best thinkers, writers and entertainers of the Enlightenment.

"If you burn a useful book, the sparks will fly back in your face."
--- Voltaire, 'Reflections for Fools' 1760.

[GK Noyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wrote it actually. What happened to my author's page? It disappeared.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book through the Goodreads giveaway program. I have to say that I haven't read a lot of Voltaire in my lifetime, but I did enjoy some of these writings. A hit and miss book. I still have a lot to read, but I will get there in time.

[G.K. Noyer]

As John Adams wrote to Thomas Jefferson Dec 25, 1813, Voltaire “did more for religious liberty than
Calvin, Luther, or even Locke.”