Candide (Dover Thrift) (Dover Thrift) |
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Voltaire
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Pages: 112 (Paperback)
ISBN: 0486266893
Pub: Dover Publications Inc.
Pub date: 1991-02-01
Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 16522
Reader Reviews:
A farcical romp (0/0 people found this helpful)
I sometimes approach old literary classics with a degree of trepidation fearing the language may be impenetrable. Not so here, this thin book is a fast and easy read. Candide travels Europe and South America with his philosopher companions whose simplified views of the world are put to the test as they farcically lurch from one misfortune to another. The story is littered with devastating wit and satirical observations of his fellow Europeans. Candide's determination to be reunited with his long lost love continues to move him on even during a rare peaceful sojourn in "Eldorado", but when he finally reaches his goal it is not as expected although there is a hilarious compensation. No doubt there are many clever political references and riskee comments relevant to the times (Voltaire spent time in jail for his outspoken views) but the overall moral of this fable reminds me most of Coelho's "The Alchemist".
The best ever (2/2 people found this helpful)
Some satires since this could be said to be better but taking this book in perspective of when it was written and the political, scientific and religious developments, it has to be seen as one of, if not the, most original. The book applies to modern times as much as its own and is my favourite read - just as it was Frederick the Great's, King of Prussia, who said that it was the only book he knew that one could read and re-read and never become bored of it. Buy this book and enjoy the sharp wit of Voltaire, a man whose writings make modern day satrical philosophers look as sharp as a wooden spoon.
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Categories
Amazon.co.uk places this book into the following categories:
Books -> Subjects -> Fiction -> General
Books -> Subjects -> Fiction -> By Period -> 16th to 18th Century
Books -> Subjects -> Fiction -> By Period -> 19th Century
Books -> Subjects -> Fiction -> Short Stories -> World -> French
Books -> Subjects -> Fiction -> The Classics
Books -> Refinements -> Language (feature_browse-bin) -> English
Books -> Refinements -> Age (feature_two_browse-bin)
Books -> Refinements -> Format (binding_browse-bin) -> Paperback