Candide, or The Optimist

Candide, or the Optimist is a satire on the Age of Enlightenment that has been a bestseller for over two hundred years. It is part of the Macmillan Collectors Library and features an introduction by Dr Marine Ganofsky.

Format: Hardback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 01 October 2020
Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Candide, or The Optimist, is a hilarious and biting satire on the Age of Enlightenment by Voltaire. This classic of French literature has been a bestseller for over two hundred years. Part of the Macmillan Collectors Library, a series of stunning, clothbound, pocket-sized classics with gold-foiled edges and ribbon markers. These beautiful books make perfect gifts or a treat for any book lover. This classic of French literature features an introduction by Dr Marine Ganofsky.

Young nobleman Candide lives a sheltered and comfortable life under the tutorship of the ridiculous Dr Pangloss, who espouses the prevailing 18th-century philosophy of Optimism. Following an indiscretion, Candide is cast out into the world, which, according to Pangloss, is 'the best of all possible worlds.' However, this is not the case, as Candide and his companions encounter nothing but ludicrous calamities in their madcap travels around the world – war crimes, earthquakes, inquisitions, and chain gangs – all based with horrible closeness on real events of the 18th century.

Candide's naivety and optimism are tested to the limit as he encounters a series of unfortunate events, including being shipwrecked, enslaved, and tortured. Despite these hardships, Candide remains steadfast in his belief that the world is a good place and that people are fundamentally good. However, his experiences gradually lead him to question his beliefs and to realize the darker side of human nature.

Through his adventures, Candide learns about the corruption, greed, and cruelty that exist in the world, and he becomes disillusioned with the idea of Optimism. He realizes that the world is not a perfect place and that people are capable of great evil as well as great good.

In the end, Candide emerges from his journey with a newfound understanding of the world and a sense of humility. He realizes that life is a complex and unpredictable journey and that it is essential to be open-minded and adaptable in order to survive.

Candide, or The Optimist, is a masterpiece of French literature that continues to resonate with readers today. Its witty and insightful commentary on the Age of Enlightenment remains as relevant as ever, and its characters, including Candide, Pangloss, and the naive Mr. Pangloss, are unforgettable. This classic of French literature is a must-read for anyone interested in literature, philosophy, or the human condition.

Weight: 124g
Dimension: 102 x 156 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529021080