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

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.