Publisher's Synopsis
Letters on the English, also known as Lettres Philosophiques, is a collection of essays written by the French philosopher and writer Voltaire. Originally published in 1733, the book is a reflection on the culture, society, and politics of England, which Voltaire had visited in 1726-1728.Through a series of letters addressed to various French correspondents, Voltaire explores a wide range of topics, including religious tolerance, freedom of speech, science and technology, literature and the arts, and the role of government. He praises the English for their practical and empirical approach to knowledge, their respect for individual rights and liberties, and their openness to new ideas and perspectives.At the same time, Voltaire also critiques certain aspects of English society, such as the prevalence of religious sectarianism, the restrictions on women's education and participation in public life, and the persistence of social inequality and injustice. He also draws comparisons between England and France, highlighting the differences in culture, politics, and intellectual life between the two countries.Overall, Letters on the English is a seminal work of Enlightenment thought, which influenced many subsequent writers and thinkers in Europe and beyond. It remains a fascinating and insightful reflection on the strengths and weaknesses of one of the world's most influential nations.But all these wonders are merely but the opening of his discoveries. He found out the secret to see the vibrations or fits of light which come and go incessantly, and which either transmit light or reflect it, according to the density of the parts they meet with. He has presumed to calculate the density of the particles of air necessary between two glasses, the one flat, the other convex on one side, set one upon the other.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
