Philosopher's Kiss - by Peter Prange (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Now in paperback, The Philosopher's Kiss tells the passionate love story between Sophie, a girl from the French countryside, and Denis Diderot, the famed philosopher behind the creation of the first encyclopedia.

Internationally bestselling author Peter Prange makes his US debut with a luminous historical novel.

Truth. Betrayal. Revolution. Love. ENLIGHTENMENT.

PARIS, 1747. Betrayed by God and humanity, eighteen-year-old Sophie moves to the seething French capital and finds work as a serving girl at Café Procope. Here, against her will, she falls deeply in love with Denis Diderot, the famed philosopher and a married man. He and his colleagues are planning the most dangerous book in the world since the Bible: an encyclopedia. Even more scandalous are references concealed within that threaten to undermine both the monarchy and the church. But Sophie soon realizes that even her own rights to freedom, love, and happiness are at risk. Prange powerfully recreates a fascinating era in this spirited story of passion, censorship, self-expression, and rebellion.

Review Quotes

"Prange's "The Philosopher's Kiss", set in eighteenth-century France, is a careful study of the origins of the Encyclopedia and the life and love of one of its creators, Diderot. Here is historical fiction at its finest--meticulously researched with superbly drawn characters, edifying and entertaining. "

--Indu Sundaresan, author of "The Twentieth Wife" and "Shadow Princess"

"This historic tale is compelling and well written, and Prange particularly brings Paris to vivid life.... Fans of historical fiction will find plenty to like." --"Publishers Weekly"

About the Author

Peter Prange is a bestselling German author of fiction and nonfiction. More than 2.5 million copies of his books have sold to date, and he has been published in twenty-four countries. He lives with his wife and daughter in Tübingen, Germany.