Voltaire: Political Writings

Presents a broad selection of Voltaire's most interesting and controversial texts.

Frangois Marie Voltaire (Author), David Williams (Edited by)

9780521437271, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 24 June 1994

348 pages
21.6 x 14 x 2 cm, 0.502 kg

This edition of Voltaire's political writings presents a varied selection of his most interesting and controversial texts, many of which have not previously been translated into English. They range over the nature and legitimacy of political power, law and the social order, crime and punishment, liberty and humanity, war and peace, and the growing disorder in the French economy. They also touch on specific issues and events in pre-Revolutionary France to which Voltaire responded and in which he was closely involved, including the Seven Years' War and relations with Frederick II, the Genevan quarrels of the 1760s, and the sensational trials of Jean Calas, Sirven and the Chevalier de La Barre. A comprehensive introduction explores the background to these texts, which together reflect the full range of Voltaire's responses to the most significant issues of his time.

List of abbreviations
Chronology
Introduction
Bibliographical note
Select bibliography
Biographical note
Editorial note
Note on translation
Articles from the Pocket Philosophical Dictionary
Articles from the Questions on the Encyclopaedia
The A B C, or Dialogues between A B C, translated from the English by Mr Huet
Other writings: Republican ideas. By a member of a public body
Thoughts on public administration
The rights of men and the usurpations of others
Commentary on the book On Crimes and Punishments
Dialogue between a philosopher and a comptroller-general of finance
Index.

Subject Areas: History of ideas [JFCX]