Candide ou L'Optimisme (sometimes translated as "Candide, or, Optimism") is considered by many to be one of the great achievements of Western literature, and a major influence on subsequent black humourists.
The book is filled with evidence of Voltaire's (born François-Marie Arouet) famed wit, which contributed to his reputation as the greatest French Enlightenment writer.
 Candide ou L'Optimisme by Voltaire, first published in 1759 |
Other experts have commented on the book's influence on later canonical works like Aldous Huxley's Brave New World and George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four.
This version is one of eight editions of the work, all published in 1759, without place or city, with the same title.
The book's cover is of brown sheepskin and, while slightly worn, its supreme rarity and influence has earned it a €15,000-20,000 ($$28,102) estimate in Alde's upcoming sale.
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