A Philosophical Dictionary, Volume 07

by Voltaire

"A Philosophical Dictionary, Volume 07" by Voltaire is an encyclopedic dictionary published in 1764. This alphabetically arranged work boldly criticizes the Roman Catholic Church, Judaism, Islam, and other institutions of Voltaire's time. Born from a dinner party game at Frederick II's court, it became a lifelong project expressing his views on Christianity, God, morality, and tolerance. Designed to be pocket-sized and affordable, it made revolutionary ideas accessible to ordinary readers, earning both widespread public enthusiasm and fierce condemnation from religious authorities who burned it in town squares.