Letters on England

Letters on England by Voltaire, published by Penguin Publishing Group in April 1980, is a first edition work comprising 156 pages. This book presents Voltaire’s reflections during his exile in England, offering a broad perspective on British culture to the French audience of 1734. The letters, originally titled Lettres anglaises ou philosophiques, were met with resistance from the French government, which viewed them as a critique of the ancien regime, leading to their censorship and Voltaire’s persecution.

Readers will find a rich exploration of various aspects of British society, including its history and social dynamics during the Georgian Era. The text serves as a personal memoir that intertwines biography and literary commentary, providing insights into the cultural contrasts between England and France. This edition invites readers to engage with Voltaire’s observations and the historical context of his time, reflecting on themes relevant to both biography and social history.