An authoritative and readable reference, the companion encompasses many disciplines from philosophy to art history, from science to music, and will inform student and specialist alike. Entries are alphabetically organized and include articles on the Enlightenment in various countries and on topics, movements, issues and concepts ranging from absolutism and academics to universities and witchcraft. The Companion carries substantial interpretative essays on such topics as dictionaries and encyclopedias, the Diderot–d'Alembert Encyclopedia, publishing, language, art, music and the theater. The subject entries vary in length from substantial essays to short, useful definitions of specialized topics. Integrated with the topic–based coverage are several hundred biographical entries giving dates of birth and death, posts, fields of activity, writings and achievements for all significant individuals discussed in the Companion. While focusing on the years 1720 to 1780, the longer–term effects of the movement are followed through entries that also survey the early years of the nineteenth century.