Versatile French Enlightenment writer (1694-1778) best remembered for his satirical work Candide. ALS in French, signed “V,” one page, 4.75 x 7.25, November 23, [no year but circa 1755-1760]. Letter written from Les Delices, his residence in Geneva, evidently sent to another writer. Voltaire begins his letter by referring to his correspondent's novel (“vous aviez sans doute commencé le roman par la queue”) and further writes, (translated): “People say that the 24 thousand soldiers will march and that the Russians are already wading in the Prussian snows. If this is true, send a message.” Voltaire concludes by asking his correspondent to forward his letter to some colleagues in their own country, and sends his regards (“Je vous embrasse de mon hermitage”). In fine condition, with scattered light creasing.
Voltaire's reference to the large number of soldiers is in relation to the Seven Years' War (1754-63) which was being fought at the time. It involved every European great power of the time except the Ottoman Empire, spanning five continents, and affected Europe, the Americas, West Africa, India, and the Philippines. The conflict split Europe into two coalitions, led by the Kingdom of Great Britain on one side and the Kingdom of France on the other. For the first time, aiming to curtail Britain and Prussia's ever-growing might, France formed a grand coalition of its own, which ended with failure as Great Britain rose as the world's predominant power, altering the European balance of power. A sought-after, boldly penned letter by the esteemed writer-philosopher.
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