Denis Diderot
Gather all human knowledge in the Encyclopédie.
Philosophical Thoughts essential
Published anonymously, condemned to be burned by the Parlement of Paris. Diderot is still a deist here: the order of nature proves God.
Letter on the Blind for the Use of Those Who See essential
Published anonymously; cost Diderot about a hundred days in prison. The deathbed speech of the blind mathematician Saunderson is invented by Diderot.
Encyclopédie (editor), article "Political Authority" essential
He edited the Encyclopédie from 1747 to 1772. The article "Political Authority" is unsigned; it is attributed to Diderot.
Addition to the Philosophical Thoughts
A different collection from the 1746 one, far more hostile to religion. Printed without his name in 1770 by Naigeon, then under his name after his death.
D'Alembert's Dream essential
Three dialogues on matter, life and thought. Published in 1830. The characters are real (d'Alembert, Julie de Lespinasse, the physician Bordeu), but every word they say is Diderot's.
Supplement to Bougainville's Voyage essential
An old Tahitian and Orou judge European morality. Published in 1796. Orou is an invented character.
Conversation of a Philosopher with the Maréchale de *** essential
Printed in his lifetime (1776-1777) under someone else's name, the Italian poet Thomas Crudeli, who died in 1745. The philosopher "Crudeli" who speaks is a mask for Diderot.
Rameau's Nephew essential
A dialogue first published in German (Goethe's translation, 1805). Not yet in our corpus.
Jacques the Fatalist and His Master
A novel about freedom and fate, published in 1796. Not yet in our corpus.