Bernard de Fontenelle, French Author

Bernard Le Bovier de Fontenelle (February 11, 1657 - January 9, 1757) was a French author and an influential member of three of the academies of the Institut de France, noted especially for his accessible treatment of scientific topics during the unfolding of the Age of Enlightenment. He is most remembered for his 17th century book, Conversations on the Plurality of Worlds, one of the first books to attempt an explanation of scientific theories in popular language. A noted gourmand, he attributed his longevity to eating strawberries. Engraving from Vies des savants illustres by Louis Figuier

Restrictions Only for Ireland and United Kingdom

Enlightenment Essayist Extraterrestrial Figuier Fontenelle Illustres Savants Vies

Features In These Collections

> Contributors > PHR