Philosophical Letters: (Letters Concerning the English Nation) - Softcover

Voltaire

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0486426734 ISBN 13: 9780486426730

Publisher: Dover Publications, 2011

Synopsis

Best known for his philosophical novel Candide, Voltaire ranked among the leading intellectuals of the Enlightenment period. His two-and-a-half-year sojourn in England left a profound impression, and these letters — written as though explaining English society to a French friend — focus on the country's religion and politics, with commentaries on Quakers, the Church of England, Presbyterians, Anti-Trinitarians, Parliament, the government, and commerce. They also include essays on Locke, Descartes, and Newton. Voltaire was much influenced by English tolerance, and his observations on the subject sounded a revolutionary note among European readers that resonated for long afterward. First published in English in 1733, Philosophical Letters was condemned by the French government as "likely to inspire a license of thought most dangerous to religion and civil order." It remains a landmark of the Age of Reason.

About this title

From the Back Cover

In his Philosophical Letters, Voltaire provides a pungent and often satirical assessment of the religion, politics, science, and arts of the England he observed during his nearly three-year exile. In addition to the Letters, this edition provides a translation of Voltaire's "Proposal for a Letter about the English," a general Introduction, chronology, notes, and bibliography.

"This fluid new translation, with abundant explanatory notes and an insightful Introduction to Voltaire's literary strategies, will make an excellent edition for students, as well as a useful resource for scholars."
--Ann Blair, Harvard University

"This crisp new translation captures the spirit of Voltaire's original, and John Leigh's introductory essay provides essential insights into the myriad ways in which this groundbreaking work of the French Enlightenment solicits the approval and -- even more importantly -- the complicity of its intended readers."
--John Iverson, Whitman College

About the Author

John Leigh is a Fellow of Fitzwilliam College, and University Lecturer in the Department of French, at the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.

Prudence L. Steiner took her Ph.D. in American Literature at Harvard University, where she served as Lecturer and Director of the Harvard Extension School Writing Program.

Edition details

• Publisher: Dover Publications
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 0486426734
• ISBN 13: 9780486426730
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 176