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Also known as: Charles-Louis de Secondat, baron de La Brède et de Montesquieu
Written by
Robert Shackleton
Marshal Foch Professor of French Literature, University of Oxford, 1979–86; Bodley's Librarian, 1966–79. Author of Montesquieu: A Critical Biography.
Robert Shackleton
Fact-checked by
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Last Updated: • Article History
Quick Facts
In full:
Charles-Louis de Secondat, baron de La Brède et de Montesquieu
Born:
January 18, 1689, Château La Brède, near Bordeaux, France
Died:
February 10, 1755, Paris (aged 66)
Notable Works:
“Persian Letters”
“Reflections on Universal Monarchy in Europe”
“Reflections on the Causes of the Grandeur and Decline of the Romans”
“The Spirit of Laws”
Role In:
Enlightenment
On the Web:
Great Thinkers - Montesquieu (Oct. 24, 2024)
See all related content →

Renown lay lightly on his shoulders. His affability and modesty are commented on by all who met him. He was a faithful friend, kind and helpful to young and unestablished scholars, witty, though absent-minded, in society. It was to be expected that the editors of the Encyclopédie should wish to have his collaboration: Jean Le Rond d’Alembert, the distinguished mathematician and scientist, asked Montesquieu to write on democracy and despotism. Montesquieu declined, saying that he had already had his say on those themes but would like to write on taste. The resultant Essai sur le goût (Essay on Taste), first drafted about 25 years earlier, was his last work.

Robert Shackleton The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica