La vie de Voltaire – Theophile Duvernet – 1786 | First Geneva Edition

La vie de Voltaire by Theophile Duvernet, printed in Geneva in 1786, is an early biographical account of the influential French writer and philosopher. Issued shortly after Voltaire’s death, this first edition reflects the popularity of his works and public fascination with his life. The two-part volume also includes Memoires de M. de Voltaire, adding further narrative to his public and private life. Duvernet’s approach captures significant moments of Voltaire’s literary career, his relationships with key figures of the Enlightenment, and episodes from his extensive correspondence.

Bibliographic Details

• Title: La vie de Voltaire
• Author(s): Theophile Duvernet
• Publisher: Geneva
• Edition: First edition, 1786; 1784 (Memoires)
• Format: (8vo), single volume in two parts
• Binding: Full leather, gilt spine
• Size:  8 in x 5.25 in (20.3 cm x 13.3 cm)
• Collation: [4], 396; 174 pp
• Illustrations:
• Contents Include:
  • Biography of Voltaire
  • Memoires de M. de Voltaire

Condition:

Full leather binding with gilt spine. Binding is tight and secure. Worming is visible on the cover and preliminary leaves. Light wear and age toning are present, with contents intact.

Why Collect This?

• First edition printed in Geneva
• Includes both biography and memoirs of Voltaire
• Complete in two parts

Item Number: # 29180