
Letters on England
Insightful Satire: A Glimpse into 18th Century English SocietyBy VoltaireLength4h 7m
About this audiobook
In "Letters on England," Voltaire presents a series of insightful reflections based on his experiences during his stay in England. This literary work embodies the Enlightenment's spirit through its sharp critique of French society, philosophy, and governance, juxtaposed with the perceived virtues of English culture and parliamentary practices. Written in a nuanced epistolary style, Voltaire employs wit and personal anecdotes, making complex ideas accessible to readers while fostering a dialogue on issues such as religious tolerance, freedom of expression, and the nature of government. Through these letters, he challenges the dogmas of his time and offers a formative exploration of Enlightenment ideals. Voltaire, born François-Marie Arouet, was a prolific figure in French literature and philosophy, whose advocacy for civil liberties, criticism of established religion, and reverence for reason shaped the Enlightenment movement. His travels and experiences in England provided him a contrasting perspective to the rigid structures of French society. He witnessed the burgeoning ideas surrounding democracy and individual rights, which fired his imagination and inspired him to articulate these themes in his work, subtly urging his contemporaries to rethink their values. "Letters on England" is a must-read for those who seek to understand the foundations of modern liberal thought and the historical context in which these ideas flourished. It invites readers to engage with Voltaire's sophisticated critiques and reflections, encouraging an appreciation of pluralism and the importance of intellectual discourse in shaping societal norms.
Audiobook details
GenreLiterary Classics
Length4 hrs 7 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateNov 20, 2019
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1INTRODUCTION
14LETTER XIII.—ON MR. LOCKE
2LETTER I.—ON THE QUAKERS
15LETTER XIV.—ON DESCARTES AND SIR ISAAC NEWTON
3LETTER II.—ON THE QUAKERS
16LETTER XV.—ON ATTRACTION
4LETTER III.—ON THE QUAKERS
17LETTER XVI.—ON SIR ISAAC NEWTON’S OPTICS
5LETTER IV.—ON THE QUAKERS
18LETTER XVII.—ON INFINITES IN GEOMETRY, AND SIR ISAAC NEWTON’S CHRONOLOGY
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6LETTER V.—ON THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND
19LETTER XVIII.—ON TRAGEDY
7LETTER VI.—ON THE PRESBYTERIANS
20LETTER XIX.—ON COMEDY
8LETTER VII.—ON THE SOCINIANS, OR ARIANS, OR ANTITRINITARIANS
21LETTER XX.—ON SUCH OF THE NOBILITY AS CULTIVATE THE BELLES LETTRES
9LETTER VIII.—ON THE PARLIAMENT
22LETTER XXI.—ON THE EARL OF ROCHESTER AND MR. WALLER
10LETTER IX.—ON THE GOVERNMENT
23LETTER XXII.—ON MR. POPE AND SOME OTHER FAMOUS POETS
11LETTER X.—ON TRADE
24LETTER XXIII.—ON THE REGARD THAT OUGHT TO BE SHOWN TO MEN OF LETTERS
12LETTER XI.—ON INOCULATION
25LETTER XXIV.—ON THE ROYAL SOCIETY AND OTHER ACADEMIES
13LETTER XII.—ON THE LORD BACON