Candide is living a sheltered life in an Edenic paradise and being indoctrinated with Leibnizian optimism (or simply "optimism") by his mentor, Professor Pangloss. Voltaire describes the abrupt cessation of this lifestyle, followed by Candides slow, painful disillusionment as he witnesses and experiences great hardships in the world. Voltaire concludes with Candide, if not rejecting optimism outright, advocating a deeply practical precept, "we must cultivate our garden", in lieu of the Leibnizian mantra of Pangloss, "all is for the best" in the "best of all possible worlds."As expected by Voltaire, Candide has enjoyed both great success and great scandal. Immediately after its secretive publication, the book was widely banned because it contained religious blasphemy, political sedition and intellectual hostility hidden under a thin veil of navet. However, with its sharp wit and insightful portrayal of the human condition, the novel has since inspired many later authors and artists to mimic and adapt it. Today, Candide is recognized as Voltaires magnum opus and is often listed as part of the Western canon it is among the most frequently taught works of French literature. The British poet and literary critic Martin SeymourSmith listed Candide as one of the 100 most influential books ever written.This case laminate collectors edition includes a Victorian inspired dustjacket.

Binding: Hardback;104 pages; Publisher: Engage Books; Classification: FA; Weight: 454 g; Dimensions: 237 x 160 x 16

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