About the Author François-Marie Arouet, dit Voltaire (1694-1778). Embastillé deux fois (1717 et 1726), retiré à Ferney, en Suisse (1760), il dirige de là une véritable propagande philosophique qui rayonne sur toute l'Europe. Son œuvre domine la production du siècle : elle comprend un vaste ensemble d'écrits dans tous les genres littéraires, dont 56 pièces de théâtre, des dialogues, des ouvrages historiques, des romans et des contes (Zadig, Candide, L'Ingénu, Micromégas), des vers et de la poésie épique, des essais, des articles scientifiques et culturels, des textes de critique littéraire, des pamphlets, et plus de 20 000 lettres !
P**H
Candide
Candide is a satire written by Voltaire who wished to ridicule ideas which were current at the time.Candide lived in the castle of Baron Thunder-Ten-Tronckh and was tutored by Pangloss who taught metaphysico-theologo-cosmolonigology. Everything,according to Pangloss, was for the best in the best of all possible worlds. Misfortunes there had to be but these could always be explained away.Candide listened attentatively to Pagloss but had his first of many misfortunes when he was booted out of the castle by the baron who noticed Candide's attentions to his daughter Cunegonde.The story of the catastrophies which follw is lively and humerous both in French and English tranlation. It ends with the famous solution to life's problems, "We must cultivate our garden".
S**S
Moving
A review of the story of Candide and its meaning can be found elsewhere. This is classic Voltaire, a free scanned text that is more than suitable for reading and enjoying. Possibly one or two mistakes to the text from the scanning but more than adequate, As with most/all such free scans, shortcuts/links to chapters don't work but your reader should keep your place.
R**N
A classic
A great read. Funny and thought-provoking, Voltaire's disgust at the cruelty and hypocrisy of European society, of religion and of the laws and morals of his day is present on every page.
Q**4
It has proved easy to use in the Kindle version and a useful ...
I purchased this Kindle version to use as reference for a proposed dissertation for my MA in translation. It has proved easy to use in the Kindle version and a useful purchase.
L**T
Very interesting
I was told many times during my schooling that this was a classic, but it was never on the lesson plan. I understand why now, little shocking for young soles. But definitely deserves the qualifier of a classic
I**L
philosophy of optimism
Loved using the e-edition to revisit this work. An easy to access, amusing satire on the philosophy of optimism. Recommend it to all who may be a little sceptical about politics and entrenched positions in all situations.
A**R
Four Stars
Voltaire anticipated the happiness ramp 200 years ago
S**D
Always worth reading and re-reading. Crisp, concise, mordant. A classic. Try reading Voltaire's 'L'Ingenu' too.
Highly recommended, still relevant today. Always worth reading and re-reading. Crisp, concise, mordant. A classic. Try reading Voltaire's 'L'Ingenu' too.
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