Encyclopédie

A contemporary portrait of the 18th-century French encyclopedist Denis Diderot. That his description of the origin and development of life on earth was based solely on facts known at the time was a blow for the reactionary Church authorities. He was regarded by them as a dangerous radical, a contributor to the forces of revolution, which triumphed not long after his death.

Encyclopedia in 35 volumes written 1751–77 by a group of French scholars (Encyclopédistes) including D'Alembert and Diderot, inspired by the English encyclopedia produced by Ephraim Chambers in 1728. Religious scepticism and Enlightenment social and political views were a feature of the work.

The first 28 volumes 1751–72 were edited by Diderot. A further five volumes were produced by other editors 1776–77 and the two-volume index was completed 1780.