Welcome to the Voltaire Studio, a groundbreaking suite of digital resources that enables you to explore the life and works of the major Enlightenment figure, Voltaire. The studio comprises two comprehensive databases: the Library of Voltaire, which contains records of all books and manuscripts known to have been part of his personal collection, and the Catalogue of Manuscripts (CMV), a digital union of detailed records of manuscripts in Voltaire’s hand, his works, letters, and other documents addressed to or about him.
In time, the Voltaire Studio will expand with the addition of a digitised version of Voltaire’s biography and an iconography database, ultimately connecting with the online edition of his works currently under construction.
Library of Voltaire
Explore the incredible diversity of books that were part of Voltaire’s library.
Catalogue of Manuscripts
Delve into the vast collection of Manuscripts relating to Voltaire
“Je ne peux vivre sans livres. Une campagne sans eux serait pour moi une prison.”
“Comme j’imagine que vous avez actuellement quelque loisir j’en abuse peutêtre en vous priant de jeter les yeux sur le manuscrit que j’ai l’honneur de vous envoyer.”
Library Item of the month
Note by Piron about the premiere of Brutus on December 11, 1730
The manuscript is a note by Alexis Piron regarding the premiere of Voltaire’s tragedy Brutus, which was completed in 1729.
Manuscript of the month
Contemporary copy of a letter from Voltaire to Pierre-Robert Le Cornier de Cideville, signed by Jean-Baptiste-Guillaume Haillet de Couronne and Louis-Auguste Dambourney, and dated 15 March 1733 [D574]
At Explore Voltaire, we aim to provide an in-depth understanding of Voltaire’s impact on the Enlightenment period and society as a whole. With our resources, you can explore the complexities of Voltaire’s ideas and their relevance to modern-day issues.