French philosopher and author (1694–1778), born François-Marie Arouet, whose wit, literary skill, and originality of thought made him one of the most distinctive and influential figures of the Enlightenment. An ardent activist and defender of civil liberties, he wrote prolifically, producing scores of important works on philosophy, history, and science, and satirizing religion, politics, and social institutions. His most enduring work, the ‘picaresque’ novel Candide (1759), has attained a secure place in the canon of Western literature. LS in French, signed “V,” one page both sides, 4.5 x 7, April 16, 1778. Letter to the Count and Countess of Rochefort. In full (translated): “I must apologize for having written so formally to Madame Dix-Neuf Ans. I apologize for taking so long to thank you for your pleasant letter, sir, but I have had lately a very violent fever, following two fatal illnesses from which I escaped.
I think that Monsieur the Abbey of Beauregard, preacher of Versailles, so-called former Jesuit, would willingly refuse me a burial, which is very unfair, because they say that I would not ask for more than to bury him; and he owes me, it seems, the same courtesy. I do not think whatsoever that the master and mistress of the house mocked this abbey of Beauregard. It is good that they do not indulge in the fury of his zeal, which is that to which all honnetes gens limit themselves. These poor ex-Jesuits are allowed to hate a man who, not long ago, forced them to return to their capital, of which they had acquired, to seven small children at the service of the king. The devout never forgive this type of sacrilege. I sent six young officers to them who they then robbed. It is true that I did not preach about Lent, but in truth, I observed it more rigorously than all the monks of Europe; hence I am more diaphanous and thinner than all of Loyola’s disciples. I look like Lazarus leaving his tomb.
I am happy to hear, sir, that you are healthy and that your affairs are in order. I will take interest in all that concerns you until the day I die. Your kindness will console me until these last days of my life.” In fine condition, with light intersecting folds.
Written from Paris only weeks before his May 31 death, a frail and unwell Voltaire, looking “like Lazarus leaving his tomb,” expresses his concern amidst flattering praise for the the count and countess) that he will be refused a church burial. The playwright and philosopher had good reason for such fears—he was hurriedly interred at the Abbey of Scellieres just hours before a diocesan bishop tried to forbid it. An intimate and significant letter written during Voltaire’s last days in which his lifelong hatred of religious hypocrisy is very evident. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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