Jacques the Fatalist and His Master in Bloomington, MN

Denis Diderot (1713-1784) was among the greatest writers of the Enlightenment and in Jacques the Fatalist he brilliantly challenged the artificialities of conventional French fiction of his age. Riding through France with his master the servant Jacques appears to act as though he is truly free in a world of dizzying variety and unpredictability. Characters emerge and disappear as the pair travel across the country and tales begin and are submerged by greater stories to reveal a panoramic view of eighteenth-century society. But while Jacques seems to choose his own path he remains convinced of one philosophical belief: that every decision he makes however whimsical is wholly predetermined. Playful picaresque and comic Diderot's novelis a compelling exploration of Enlightment philosophy. Brilliantly original in style it is one of the greatest precursors to post-modern literature.