Candide

Written by Voltaire

Narrated by Liam Johnson

"Candide" is a satirical novel written by the French philosopher and writer, Voltaire. It was first published in 1759 and is considered one of the most famous works of the Enlightenment era.

The novel tells the story of a young man named Candide, who is optimistic and believes that everything happens for the best in the world. However, he is faced with a series of tragic events, including being banished from his home, witnessing a devastating earthquake, and experiencing war and injustice.

Throughout the novel, Voltaire uses irony, sarcasm, and parody to critique various aspects of society, including religion, philosophy, politics, and human nature. He questions the idea that this is the best of all possible worlds, as espoused by the philosopher Leibniz, and argues that the world is full of suffering and injustice.

Despite its serious themes, "Candide" is also known for its humor and wit. It is filled with absurd characters and events, and its witty satire often takes aim at the hypocrisy and absurdity of society.

Overall, "Candide" is a complex work that explores the human condition and the flaws of society through a combination of tragedy and comedy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Stream Readers
• Release date: Mar 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9781987123401

Voltaire

Voltaire was the pen name of François-Marie Arouet (1694–1778)a French philosopher and an author who was as prolific as he was influential. In books, pamphlets and plays, he startled, scandalized and inspired his age with savagely sharp satire that unsparingly attacked the most prominent institutions of his day, including royalty and the Roman Catholic Church. His fiery support of freedom of speech and religion, of the separation of church and state, and his intolerance for abuse of power can be seen as ahead of his time, but earned him repeated imprisonments and exile before they won him fame and adulation.