"This enlightening companion is a work of reference valuable to anybody interested in the history of thought." The Times"An informative and authoritative resource." English Literature
"This attractive reference book will be of enormous value to anyone interested in virtually any aspect of the Enlightenment ... an essential volume for libraries, Enlightenment scholars, and anyone interested in the age." History
"Fine guide ... easy to use." Social & Behavioral Sciences
"This encyclopedic Companion is a much-needed triumph. A superb collection of short entries by leading scholars who judiciously blend fact and interpretation. Will be received and remain as the standard reference tool. Illuminates every area of the Enlightenment." European History Quarterly
"An immensely useful work of reference. This is a book which should be in every student's study." British Journal for 18th Century Studies
An authoritative and readable reference, the companion encompasses many disciplines from philosophy to art history, from science to music, and will inform student and specialist alike. Entries are alphabetically organized and include articles on the Enlightenment in various countries and on topics, movements, issues and concepts ranging from absolutism and academics to universities and witchcraft. The Companion carries substantial interpretative essays on such topics as dictionaries and encyclopedias, the Diderot-d'Alembert Encyclopedia, publishing, language, art, music and the theater. The subject entries vary in length from substantial essays to short, useful definitions of specialized topics. Integrated with the topic-based coverage are several hundred biographical entries giving dates of birth and death, posts, fields of activity, writings and achievements for all significant individuals discussed in the Companion. While focusing on the years 1720 to 1780, the longer-term effects of the movement are followed through entries that also survey the early years of the nineteenth century.
From the Back Cover
An authoritative and readable reference, the companion encompasses many disciplines from philosophy to art history, from science to music, and will inform student and specialist alike. Entries are alphabetically organized and include articles on the Enlightenment in various countries and on topics, movements, issues and concepts ranging from absolutism and academics to universities and witchcraft. The Companion carries substantial interpretative essays on such topics as dictionaries and encyclopedias, the Diderot-d'Alembert Encyclopedia, publishing, language, art, music and the theater. The subject entries vary in length from substantial essays to short, useful definitions of specialized topics. Integrated with the topic-based coverage are several hundred biographical entries giving dates of birth and death, posts, fields of activity, writings and achievements for all significant individuals discussed in the Companion. While focusing on the years 1720 to 1780, the longer-term effects of the movement are followed through entries that also survey the early years of the nineteenth century.
About the Author
John Yolton is a distinguished philosopher and specialist on the life and works of Locke. Roy Porter is a historian of the 18th century.
Pat Rogers is a specialist on literature of the period and editor of reference works.
Barbara Stafford is an art historian active in the American Society for 18th Century Studies.
