Defining the Enlightenment as the "long eighteenth century" " from the rise of Descartes" disciples in 1670 to the Restoration of the Bourbon monarchy in 1815 " the Encyclopedia focuses on the entire range of philosophic and social changes engendered by the Enlightenment. The work also extends the conventional geographical boundaries of the Enlightenment, covering not only France, England, Scotland, the Low Countries, Italy, English-speaking North America, the German states, and Hapsburg Austria but also Iberian, Ibero-American, Jewish, Russian, and Eastern European cultures. Nor does the Encyclopedia of the Enlightenment limit itself to major centers like Paris in France and Edinburgh in Scotland, but shares the rich lode of recent scholarship on "secondary" and "provincial" centers such as Berlin and Geneva; Philadelphia and Milan.

A BROAD RANGE OF KNOWLEDGE
The Encyclopedia of the Enlightenment brings a similar spirit of inclusion to the new theoretical and methodological approaches that have flowered in the humanities during the past two decades. Including feminist and various post-modernist reassessments alongside more traditional perspectives, the four volumes offer the broadest possible range of current knowledge. Indeed, in its openness to diverse definitions of "Enlightenment" and to a variety of general and particular contexts, schools of thought, and interpretations, the Encyclopedia is itself an embodiment of Enlightenment ideals. It is both about the Enlightenment and a shining example of it.

PREMIER SCHOLARSHIP FROM THE WORLD"S EXPERTS
Under the direction of Editor in Chief Alan Charles Kors, an international team of scholars has been assembled. The contributors reflect a wide diversity of national and academic perspectives and have collaborated to present the most up-to-date Enlightenment scholarship in one comprehensive reference.

AN ESSENTIAL RESEARCH RESOURCE FOR ADVANCED HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS AND UNDERGRADUATES, FACULTY, SCHOLARS, AND GENERAL READERS
Accessibility combined with scholarly rigor will make the Encyclopedia the first choice for researching any aspect of the Enlightenment. Designed and organized for ease of use, its special features include more than 700 signed articles; annotated bibliographies following each article to guide further study; an extensive system of cross-references; a synoptic outline of contents; a comprehensive topical index providing easy access to networks of related articles; and high-quality illustrations, including photographs, line drawings, and maps.