Candide - Or Optimism (Paperback, 1st New impression)

'All is for the best in the best of all possible worlds', according to Dr Pangloss, despite the mounting evidence to the contrary in this supreme 18th-century satire. (Kirkus UK)

In this glorious satire, Voltaire brilliantly challenges the idea current in his day that 'all is for the best in the best of all worlds'.

The naïve Candide is literally kicked out of his childhood home when unfairly accused of sexual attentions towards his idol Lady Cunégonde. Yet Pangloss, the learned philosopher, has taught him the positive notion that all is for the best. And throughout his hilarious adventures and misfortunes, Candide remains true to Pangloss's creed, even when faced with ridiculous examples of injustice, suffering and despair. His incessant optimism appears to be justified in El Dorado, a Utopian land in which money and possessions are deemed worthless, yet ironically Candide is restless to leave this ideal society in search of worldly fulfilment.

Voltaire's scathing attack on vain and dreamy philosophizing remains as controversial and entertaining today as on its first publication in 1759.

General

Imprint:	Penguin Classics
Country of origin:	United States
Release date:	June 1950
First published:	June 1950
Authors:	Francois Voltaire
Translators:	John Butt
Introduction by:	John Butt
Dimensions:	198 x 128 x 8mm (L x W x T)
Format:	Paperback - B-format
Pages:	144
Edition:	1st New impression
ISBN-13:	978-0-14-044004-1
Categories:	Books > Fiction > General & literary fiction > General Books > Fiction > Special features > Classic fiction
LSN:	0-14-044004-6
Barcode:	9780140440041

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