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 Oxford University Voltaire.
Project Director: Gillian Pink.
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
November 2026
Manuel ou Journée militaire
The newest (albeit conjectural) addition to Voltaire’s virtual library, this copy of Alexis Toussaint de Gaigne’s 1776 work of military tactics contains a dedication to Voltaire, who was then living in Ferney. It was acquired in the nineteenth century by John and Joséphine Bowes, whose collection of art, artefacts and books is today open to the public at the Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle, County Durham.
Manuscript of the month
November 2026
Autograph letter from Léopold Desmarest and Françoise Paule Huguet de Graffigny [née d’Issembourg Du Buisson d’Happoncourt] to François Antoine Devaux, written from Provins and dated ‘ce jeudy’ [12 February 1739]
Happy Birthday Voltaire!
Voltaire was born in Paris on 21 November 1694, and so, in honour of his birthday, the manuscript of this month centres around a rather luxurious party. Whilst not held in celebration of his birthday, this party did feature good friends, singing, theatre, and lavish dining experiences.
