This anthology, ‘The Fourth Book of Virgil’s Aeneid and the Ninth Book of Voltaire’s Henriad, ‘ offers an intriguing juxtaposition of classical and Enlightenment literature. At its core, the collection examines themes of heroism, human emotion, and the tumult of historical destiny. Both Virgil and Voltaire present powerful narratives that intertwine personal and political struggles, illustrating the timeless nature of these motifs. The selection draws attention to the stylistic evolution from the epic grandeur of Virgil’s Latin hexameters to the Enlightenment wit of Voltaire’s French verse, providing a rich tapestry of literary artistry across time. The intertwined backgrounds of these towering figures present a cross-temporal dialogue, with Virgil, a crucial figure of Roman poetry, providing insight into early Western literary traditions, while Voltaire, a central thinker of the Western Enlightenment, critiques and builds upon these traditions. Their works collectively capture the ethos of their respective eras—Virgil’s reflections on imperial Rome and Voltaire’s commentary on monarchical France. This anthology enriches the reader’s understanding of the cultural and philosophical dialogues between antiquity’s epic narratives and the Enlightenment’s reformative ethos. Readers are invited to explore this collection as a remarkable opportunity to traverse epochs through literature. This anthology is not only an educational journey into the hearts of two literary giants but also an exploration of persistent human questions and the art of storytelling across centuries. It offers a singular volume where the majesty of Rome meets the reason of Enlightenment, fostering a dialogue between different epochs that continue to influence modern thought.
عن المؤلف
François-Marie Arouet, known by his nom de plume Voltaire, was an eminent French Enlightenment writer, historian, and philosopher known for his wit, his criticism of Christianity, especially the Roman Catholic Church, as well as his advocacy of freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and separation of church and state. Voltaire was born on November 21, 1694, in Paris, France, and became one of the most prolific writers of the eighteenth century, engaging in an estimated 20, 000 letters and more than 2, 000 books and pamphlets. He was a versatile and an influential figure whose works ranged from plays, poems, novels, essays, and historical and scientific works to polemics and over 21, 000 letters. Voltaire’s ‘The Fourth Book of Virgil’s Aeneid and the Ninth Book of Voltaire’s Henriad’ is among the numerous writings that exemplify his literary prowess. His propensity for sharp satire is evident in the ‘Henriad, ‘ an epic poem written in honor of King Henry IV of France and a clear manifestation of the writer’s celebration of enlightened monarchy and rational religion. His literary style was characterized by its wit, irony, and keen intelligence, which he used to critique contemporary social and political orthodoxies. Voltaire’s influence extends far beyond his lifetime into the modern era, and his works continue to be studied for their historical significance, philosophical content, and sheer brilliance of language.