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François-Marie Arouet (November 21, 1694 – May 30, 1778), known by his pen name Voltaire, was a French Enlightenment writer, philosopher, and historian. Born in Paris, France, Voltaire was educated by Jesuits at the Collège Louis-le-Grand, where he developed a love for literature and a talent for writing. Despite his father's wishes for him to pursue a career in law, Voltaire chose to become a writer, a decision that led to both acclaim and controversy throughout his ...

Candide by Voltaire is a satirical novella first published in 1759. It follows the adventures of Candide, a naive young man indoctrinated with Leibnizian optimism by his mentor, Pangloss. Through a series of calamities, Voltaire critiques the notion that 'all is for the best in the best of all possible worlds.'

Thomas Paine (January 29, 1737 – June 8, 1809) was an English-born political philosopher, writer, and revolutionary whose works significantly influenced the American and French Revolutions. Born in Thetford, Norfolk, England, Paine received a basic education before working as a corset maker, seaman, and tax officer. In 1774, he emigrated to the American colonies with the encouragement of Benjamin Franklin.

In 1776, Paine published Common Sense, ...

Micromégas by Voltaire is a pioneering science fiction novella published in 1752. It narrates the journey of Micromégas, an inhabitant of a planet orbiting Sirius, and his companion from Saturn, as they explore Earth and reflect on human nature, knowledge, and the universe.

Jonathan Swift (30 November 1667 – 19 October 1745) was an Anglo-Irish satirist, essayist, political pamphleteer, poet, and cleric who became Dean of St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest prose satirists in the English language, known for works such as Gulliver's Travels and A Modest Proposal.

Born in Dublin, Ireland, Swift was the posthumous son of Jonathan Swift Sr. and Abigail Erick. His father ...