The Business of Enlightenment: A Publishing History of the Encyclopédie, 1775-1800  

"The Business of Enlightenment" exemplifies Robert Darnton's groundbreaking approach to intellectual history, making it a crucial addition to any list of his best works. This book delves into the tangible realities of the Enlightenment by tracing the complex publishing history of the *Encyclopédie* – a monumental project that encapsulated the era's intellectual ambitions. Darnton moves beyond the purely theoretical, exploring the financial, logistical, and social contexts surrounding the creation and dissemination of this iconic text. He meticulously examines the networks of printers, booksellers, smugglers, and censors, revealing the intricate struggles and commercial realities that shaped the Enlightenment's most ambitious project. This focus on the material life of ideas, the "business" side of enlightenment, distinguishes Darnton's work and offers a unique perspective on how the Enlightenment actually unfolded. This book's significance further stems from its contribution to Darnton's signature method: the microhistorical approach. By painstakingly reconstructing the world of the *Encyclopédie* through archival research, particularly delving into the archives of the Society of Literary Men and publishers, Darnton reconstructs the specific details of intellectual exchange. Through meticulous analysis of contracts, correspondence, and even the physical layout of the books, Darnton illuminates the crucial link between intellectual production and the social and economic forces that shaped it. "The Business of Enlightenment" is a prime example of Darnton's ability to breathe life into the past, demonstrating the significance of understanding the material conditions of intellectual history and why it deserves recognition on any list highlighting his best works.