Denis Diderot

Birth:

October 5, 1713

Death:

July 31, 1784

Place of Birth:

Langres, France

Place of Death:

Paris, France
Denis Diderot worked with publisher Andre Le Breton and co-editor Jean d'Alembert to create
an encyclopedia. The resulting Encyclopdie was indeed a ground-breaking work.
Diderot had originally been approached by Le Breton to translate the Cyclopaedia written by
Ephraim Chambers from English into French. Diderot envisioned something much bigger. He
saw the opportunity to create a vehicle that could promote knowledge of the arts and sciences.
He and dAlembert solicited the help of many of the artists, writers, and scientists of the day.
Together, they believed passionately in their mission even if some of the knowledge ran counter
to the established beliefs of the church and state. The resulting Encyclopdie is considered by
many to be one of the most influential works created during the Enlightenment.
Diderot also wrote essays and novels.