Evelyn Beatrice Hall (1868-1956) was an English writer and biographer. Though she is most famous for her biography of Voltaire, she is also well-known for her memorable summary of his philosophy: "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." This quote, often mistakenly attributed to Voltaire himself, perfectly captures the spirit of his beliefs and has become a powerful symbol of free speech.
Hall chose to write her work under the pseudonym "S. G. Tallentyre" to avoid the gender bias that was common in the early 20th century, a decision that allowed her work to be judged on its own merit. She dedicated her writing to illuminating the lives of major historical figures of the French Enlightenment. Her ability to synthesize vast amounts of historical information into a compelling and accessible narrative made her a respected biographer. Hall's work on Voltaire remains a testament to her profound understanding of the man and his revolutionary ideas.
