Jacques the Fatalist

by Denis Diderot, MaryMarc Translations (Translator), Marciano Guerrero (Introduction)

Overview

The picaresque novel Jacques the Fatalist, partially inspired by Laurence Sterne's Tristram Shandy, is an ironic critique of the morals of the time. While on the surface the novel might seem to be a simple narrative of humoristic events, adventures, and intrigues�down deep it is an interesting philosophical exploration of free will, determinism, and morality. In addition, this novel contains a continuous dialogue between author and readers. Much like Henry Fielding in Tom Jones, Diderot puts forth his views on writing techniques. Through this dialogue readers can appreciate the inner springs of the mind of a novelist in action.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940015990065
Publisher:	marciano guerrero
Publication date:	01/31/2013
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	253 KB

About the Author

Denis Diderot (1713 � 1784) was a French philosopher, art critic and writer. Born at Langres and was schooled by Jesuits. He attended the University of Paris where he led a bohemian life, making a living doing odd jobs: tutorships, freelance writing, bookseller, and translator.
He supported John Locke's theory of knowledge in his Lettres sur les aveugles (1749), a work hostile to entrenched and conventional morality; for that intellectual attack he was imprisoned at Vincennes for three months.
A polymath with expertise in several fields, and much immersed in science and the scientific trends of his day, he was particularly qualified to take on the immense task of compiling an encyclopedia. Today we remember Diderot mostly as the co-founder and editor of the Encyclop�die, the foremost encyclopedia to be published as the French Revolution was taking place.
Among his good friends he included Jean-Jacques Rousseau, David Hume, Claude Adrien Helv�tius, Abb� Raynal, and Lawrence Sterne.
During revolutionary times, Diderot was not able to make much of a living off his work on the Encyclop�die. Through the intervention of friends, Catherine of Russia bought his library, providing him also with a salary and use of the library for life.
He died of emphysema in Paris in 1784.