One of the most influential among eighteenth-century writers, Rousseau was one of the period's most controversial figures as well. His most important works translated into English include Discours qui a remporté le prix à l'Académie de Dijon, en l'année 1750, sur cette question proposée par la même Académie: "Si le rétablissement des Sciences et des Arts a contribué à épurer les moeurs" (1750 as "a citizen of Geneva"; translated as A Discourse on the Arts and Science, 1751), Discours sur l'origine et les fondements de l'inégalité parmi les hommes (1755; translated as Discourse on the Origin and Foundations of the Inequality among Mankind, 1762), Julie, ou la Nouvelle Héloïse (1761; translated 1761), Emile (1762; translated 1762), Du Contrat social, ou principes du droit politique (1762; translated as A Treatise on the Social Compact; or, The Principles of Political Law, 1764), Essai sur l'origine des langues (1781; translated as Essay on the Origin of Languages, 1966), and his autobiographical Les Confessions de J.-J. Rousseau suivies des Rêveries du promeneur solitaire (1782-89; translated as The Confessions of J. J. Rousseau; with The Reveries of the Solitary Walker, 1783-91). Julie, ou la Nouvelle Héloïse was an immediate and lasting sensation, exerting a powerful influence on late eighteenth century European views of sensibility and romantic love. Emile exploits the popularity of the novel form to champion Rousseau's views on education.

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