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Diderot and the Encyclopaedists: A Monumental Work of Enlightenment

Edmund Hayes

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The Encyclopédie, ou Dictionnaire raisonné des sciences, des arts et des métiers, commonly known as the Encyclopédie, is a landmark work of the Enlightenment, a comprehensive compendium of knowledge that sought to encompass all aspects of human endeavor, from the arts and sciences to trades and crafts. First published in 1751 under the editorship of Denis Diderot and Jean le Rond d'Alembert, the Encyclopédie was a massive undertaking, ultimately comprising 33 volumes of text and 11 volumes of plates, with contributions from over 150 scholars and scientists.

Diderot and the Encyclopaedists: Complete Edition (Vol. 1&2)

by John Morley

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
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The Encyclopédie was a product of the Enlightenment's drive to systematize and disseminate knowledge, and it played a major role in shaping the intellectual landscape of the 18th century. Its contributors included some of the most influential thinkers of the age, such as Voltaire, Rousseau, and Montesquieu, and its articles reflected the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason, empiricism, and the importance of education.

The Complete Edition

The Complete Edition of Diderot and the Encyclopaedists is a modern scholarly edition of the Encyclopédie, published in 33 volumes by the University of Oxford in 2001. This edition reproduces the original text of the Encyclopédie, with extensive annotations and commentary from leading scholars in the field. It also includes a comprehensive index and a detailed bibliography.

The Complete Edition is an invaluable resource for scholars of the Enlightenment and anyone interested in the history of knowledge. It provides a comprehensive overview of the intellectual climate of the 18th century, and it offers a unique glimpse into the minds of some of the most important thinkers of the age.

The Significance of the Encyclopédie

The Encyclopédie was a groundbreaking work in several respects. First, it was the first attempt to create a comprehensive encyclopedia of all human knowledge. Previous encyclopedias had focused on specific fields, such as medicine or natural history, but the Encyclopédie aimed to cover the entire range of human endeavor.

Second, the Encyclopédie was a collaborative effort, with contributions from over 150 scholars and scientists. This collaborative approach allowed the Encyclopédie to draw on the expertise of the leading thinkers of the age, and it ensured that the work was up-to-date with the latest developments in science and technology.

Third, the Encyclopédie was written in a clear and accessible style, making it accessible to a wide audience. This was a deliberate choice on the part of Diderot and d'Alembert, who believed that knowledge should be disseminated as widely as possible.

The Impact of the Encyclopédie

The Encyclopédie had a profound impact on the intellectual and cultural life of Europe. It was a major source of information for scholars and scientists, and it helped to spread the ideas of the Enlightenment to a wider audience. The Encyclopédie also played a role in the French Revolution, as its articles on politics and society helped to fuel the growing discontent with the monarchy.

The Encyclopédie remains a landmark work of the Enlightenment, and it continues to be studied and admired by scholars today. It is a testament to the power of human reason and the importance of knowledge in shaping the human condition.

The Complete Edition of Diderot and the Encyclopaedists is an essential resource for anyone interested in the Enlightenment or the history of knowledge. This monumental work provides a comprehensive overview of the intellectual climate of the 18th century, and it offers a unique glimpse into the minds of some of the most important thinkers of the age.

Diderot and the Encyclopaedists: Complete Edition (Vol. 1&2)

by John Morley

4.2 out of 5