Ernest Renan

1924. Renan was described by Lord Morley as perhaps in one sense the most effective French influence since Voltaire. His best-known work had probably a wider influence in modifying religious opinion in Christendom than any other single treatise of modern times, though it was combated alike by the orthodox and the heterodox. In the light of later inquiry it is here sought to bring the debate under a scientific view, and, at the same time, to form a just estimate of Renan's total work and personality.