Secondary sourceBook1903
The Life of Voltaire
S. G. Tallentyre · 1903
A 1903 biography of Voltaire by S. G. Tallentyre, drawing on his letters and other sources.
A biography of Voltaire written over a century after his death, based partly on his own letters.
About this source
What it is
This two-volume biography of Voltaire was written by S. G. Tallentyre and published in 1903. The author drew on sources including Voltaire's own letters to construct the account.
Why it matters
Written over a century after Voltaire's death, this biography reflects how later historians used primary sources like letters to understand his life and character. It shows the ongoing fascination with Voltaire as a symbol of wit and free thought long after his lifetime.
Look closer
- What sources did the author use, and how might that affect the picture of Voltaire we get?
- Why might a biographer in 1903 be interested in writing about a philosopher who died over a century earlier?
- How might a biography differ from reading Voltaire's own letters directly?
This book is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Voltaire on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.
More Voltaire sources
Meet the AI Voltaire →
Ready when you are
Start chatting with Voltaire now.
20 messages free · No credit card · Available in 50+ languages.