The Case of Jean Calas (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781025538778)

"The Case of Jean Calas" is a compelling examination of one of the most infamous judicial errors in French history. Written by Frederic Maugham, this work delves into the 1761 tragedy involving Jean Calas, a Protestant merchant from Toulouse who was accused of murdering his son to prevent him from converting to Catholicism. Despite a lack of evidence, Calas was subjected to torture and executed on the wheel, falling victim to the intense religious prejudice of the era.

This historical account traces the subsequent campaign for justice led by the philosopher Voltaire, whose intervention transformed the case into a cause célèbre for the Enlightenment. Through careful analysis of the legal proceedings and the social climate of 18th-century France, Maugham highlights the dangers of fanaticism and the slow evolution of human rights and judicial reform. "The Case of Jean Calas" remains a vital study of religious intolerance and the enduring struggle for truth within the legal system. It serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that public outcry and intellectual courage can have on the pursuit of justice.

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