1945 Candide

Description

Colour Plates, Illustrated, Leather Binding, Pleasing Copy, Rebound

A limited edition of Candide, French picaresque satire by Voltaire, considered his magnum opus. Following the story of Candide, a young man who is indoctrinated by philosopher Pangloss with Leibnizian optimism, or the idea that we live in the best of all possible worlds. Candide's lifestyle is however abruptly interrupted when the Baron kicks him out of the Barony after he is caught kissing his daughter Cunegonde. 

One of twelve hundred copies printed on Rives paper illustrated by Etienne Calo and hand-coloured by Daniel Jacomet. This copy number nine hundred and forty eight. Six full page plates and numerous illustrations in text. Collated, complete.

The novel was both a great success and great scandal, it was immediately banned after its original secret publication in 1759 due to it containing religious blasphemy, political sedition, and intellectual hostility. Today, it is praised for its sharp wit and insightful portrayal of the human condition. 

This copy was rebound in an exquisite full morocco binding, with the original wraps and spine bound in with the volume, and housed in a green slipcase. 

With eight additional erotic engravings of the novel bound in with the volume.