Candide, or Optimism

In the novel Candide, Voltaire challenges the philosophical views of the Enlightenment and creates a satire that is praised as one of the most remarkable works of the eighteenth century. The naive protagonist, Candide, is taught by his mentor, Pangloss, that 'all is for the best'. But when his love for the Baron's daughter is discovered, Candide is forced to fend for himself. As he travels with various companions, a series of absurd catastrophes - earthquakes, syphilis, and even the Inquisition - severely test his optimism, exposing the folly of fanatics, zealots, and moral reformers. This edition includes a translation by Theo Cuffe and an enlightening introduction by Michael Wood.