Evelyn Beatrice Hall
- Born:
- September 28, 1868, Shooter's Hill, Kent, England
- Died:
- April 13, 1956, Woking, Surrey, England
- Nationality:
- British
- Profession(s):
- Writer, Biographer
Early Life and Education
- Educated privately.
- Developed an early interest in history and literature.
Career and Major Achievements
- Known primarily as a biographer.
- Published several works, most notably a biography of Voltaire.
- Attributed the famous quote "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it" to Voltaire; this phrasing, while widely associated with Voltaire, appears to originate in Hall's biography, serving as an important, if debated, part of the Voltaire legend. This is discussed within many works, including an "autobiography example 1000 words" analysis of attribution.
Notable Works
- The Friends of Voltaire (1906)
- Voltaire in His Letters (1919)
Legacy and Impact
Evelyn Beatrice Hall's primary legacy rests on her biography of Voltaire and her popularization of a quote that, while not directly attributable to Voltaire himself, encapsulates a core principle of free speech often associated with his philosophical outlook. Her works continue to be referenced in discussions of Voltaire's life and thought.