Publisher's Synopsis
Voltaire's Candide Or The Optimist, And Rasselas Prince Of Abyssinia (1884) is a classic work of literature that is renowned for its satirical commentary on society and human nature. The book is divided into two parts, with the first part focusing on the character of Candide, an optimistic and naive young man who is taught by his mentor, Dr. Pangloss, that this is ""the best of all possible worlds."" However, Candide's journey takes him through a series of misfortunes and tragedies that challenge his beliefs and ultimately lead him to question the validity of Pangloss's teachings.The second part of the book tells the story of Rasselas, the prince of Abyssinia, who is similarly dissatisfied with his life and goes on a quest for knowledge and meaning. Along the way, he encounters various characters and situations that force him to confront the limitations of his own perspective and assumptions about the world.Through both of these narratives, Voltaire uses humor and irony to critique the prevailing philosophical and social attitudes of his time, particularly the belief in the inherent goodness of humanity and the idea that suffering is necessary for personal growth and enlightenment. The book is a powerful commentary on the human condition and the complexities of navigating a world filled with uncertainty and adversity.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.
