Political Writings

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.

• An appearance in English of many of the most controversial and interesting Voltairean texts • Provides a broad picture of Voltaire’s politics in key areas • Illuminates both abstract topics and specific events in pre-Revolutionary France

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.