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Philosophical Letters: Letters Concerning the English Nation

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Philosophical Letters

(LETTERS CONCERNING THE ENGLISH NATION)

VOLTAIRE

(FRANÇOIS MARIE AROUET)

Best known for his philosophical novel Candide, Voltaire ranked among the leading intellectuals of the Enlightenment period. This collection confirms the philosopher's reputation for displays of irrepressible genius and individuality.

Voltaire's two-and-a-half-year sojourn in England (the direct result of his banishment from Paris for offending an aristocrat) left a profound impression on the rational observer and free-thinking moralist. Written as though explaining English society to a friend back in France, the letters focus on religion and politics, with commentaries on Quakers, the Church of England, Presbyterians, Anti-Trinitarians, Parliament, the government, and commerce. In addition, there are essays on Locke, Descartes, and Newton. Voltaire was deeply influenced by the degree of tolerance he saw practiced among Londoners: "If there were only one religion in England, there would be danger of tyranny; if there were two, they would cut each other's throats; but here are thirty, and they live happily together in peace." This concept of a cultural diversity as a cornerstone for a thriving and tranquil society sounded a revolutionary note among European readers that resonated for many years afterward.

First published in English translation in 1733, Philosophical Letters appeared in France a year later; Voltaire's paean to tolerance was condemned by the French government as "likely to inspire a license of thought most dangerous to religion and civil order." This provocative work remains a landmark from the literature of the Age of Reason.

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Series Title

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Call Number

942.07

Publisher

Mineola, New York, USA : Dover Publicatons., 2003

Collation

Softcover; 160 hlm.; 13.7 x 21.3 cm

Language

English

ISBN/ISSN

9780486426730 / 0486426734

Classification

942.07

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Edition

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Subject(s)

Nonfiction
History
Philosophy
General Nonfiction
History and Geography
History of Europe
History: England: Hanover 1714-1837
Literary Collections: Letters
History: Europe - Great Britain: - General
Literary Collections: European - General

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