Indecent Treasures

Denis Diderot (1713–1784) - a French philosopher, writer, and playwright, the main inspirer of the famous "Encyclopedia," which became one of the largest reference works of the 18th century. The novel "Indecent Treasures" stands out against the background of the author's other works. According to family legend, Diderot took it on as a result of a wager with Madame de Puisieux, seeking to prove that there is nothing easier than writing "in the salacious-entertaining style of Crébillon the son." The narrative about the magical ring endowed with the power to compel any woman to reveal her "treasures" by recounting her romantic adventures indeed refers to the popular frivolous novel genre of that time, yet it does not exhaust the content of the work. Scattered throughout its pages, witty mockeries of the church, scholars, pedants, and hypocrites allow Diderot to present a broad picture of the corrupted morals of 18th century France. Thus, even an "improper" tale under the pen of a convinced enlightener becomes an expression of his philosophical-moral doctrine.