Philosophical Letters: (Letters Concerning the English Nation) [Paperback]

Voltaire (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 20, 2011 | ISBN-10: 0486426734 | ISBN-13: 978-0486426730

The voice of the Age of Reason remarks on English religion and politics during the early 18th century: Quakers, Church of England, Presbyterians, Anti-Trinitarians, Parliament, government, commerce, plus essays on Locke, Descartes, and Newton. Voltaire's observations on English tolerance sounded a revolutionary note among European readers that resonated long after the book's first publication.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This fluid new translation . . . will make an excellent edition for students, as well as a useful resource for scholars." -- (Ann Blair, Harvard University) --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

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 --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications (October 20, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486426734
• ISBN-13: 978-0486426730
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #666,682 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Amusing Comment on Britain by Voltaire., June 18, 2005

By 

S. Henkels (Devon, Pa United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Philosophical Letters: (Letters Concerning the English Nation) (Paperback)

This very short group of essays is profound, amusing, and a definite page turner. Voltaire reminds me of an 18th century French version of our early 20th century HL Mencken. He is obviously a twinkling eyed commentator, often tongue in cheek, but always right on the mark. The pieces on Quakerism and English religion are entertaining and thoughtful, as it is obvious that Voltaire was not easily duped by anyone or anything. He appreciates the English method of innoculation against smallpox, and wishes his fellow Frenchmen would follow this course. And his appreciation for the philosophers/ scientists Locke and Newton is unbounded. So if you run across this short piece, take an evening to read it through!