017

Candide

Voltaire Published by S.l. [Genève, Cramer], 1759

Candide by Voltaire follows a young man, Candide, whose sheltered life is upended when he is expelled from a luxurious castle. He embarks on a journey across the world, facing war, natural disasters, and suffering, while clinging to the optimistic teachings of his tutor, Pangloss. Eventually, Candide realizes that the world is full of pain and disillusionment, leading him to conclude that the best response to life’s hardships is to “cultivate our garden”—focusing on practical work rather than idealism.

Candide was banned due to its satirical critique of religion, the aristocracy, and philosophical optimism. Voltaire mocks the Catholic Church, exposes the absurdity of war, and challenges the idea that everything happens for the best. Its irreverence and bold criticism of societal institutions made it controversial and subject to censorship, especially in Catholic and authoritarian countries.

Buy Now: US$150,000

Accepting payments in stablecoins.

Our books are sourced directly from sellers affiliated with the ABA, ABAA, ILAB, ABAC, ANZAAB, IOBA, PBFA, MWABA, CBA, NVvA, VEBUKU, SNEAB, ALADA, Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of Germany, AILA, GIAQ, ALAI, BVDG, Federal Association of German Galleries and Art Dealers, SVAF, The Swedish Association of Antiquarian Booksellers, ESA, RMABA, VDAÖ, The German Publishers and Booksellers Association, Asociación de Libreros de Lance de Madrid, FABA, MABA, MAE, Texas Booksellers Association, Amigos del Libro Antiguo de Sevilla, Den Danske Antikvarboghandlerforening, LIBRIS Association of Antiquarian Booksellers of Madrid, maintaining the highest professional standards in the rare bookselling business.