A Philosophical Dictionary, Volume 08

Notes by Oliver Herbrand Gordon Leigh · Notes by John Morley · Notes by T. Smollett · Translated by William F. Fleming

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"A Philosophical Dictionary, Volume 08" by Voltaire is an encyclopedic dictionary published in 1764. This alphabetically arranged work criticizes religious institutions including the Roman Catholic Church, Judaism, and Islam, while advocating for tolerance and freedom of press. Born from a dinner party challenge at Frederick II's court, Voltaire created an affordable, pocket-sized text that educated and provoked simultaneously. Though the public embraced it enthusiastically, religious authorities condemned the work, burning copies in town squares across Europe.

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