The Candide
(Voltaire)

Written in 1759, Candide is Voltaire's most well-known satire. A prominent author and philosopher during the Age of Enlightenment, a philosophical era in Europe that criticized tyranny and promoted science and reason, Voltaire was known for criticizing religion and government alike. Candide does not shy away from either of these subjects and also explores issues such as historical events, other enlightenment era philosophies, and human nature.

Born in 1694 with the name Francois-Marie Arouet, Voltaire studied literature and religion at a prominent Jesuit university. He later joined the Society of Temple, and enlightenment intellectual group, where he gained fame for his short works of satiric literature. Eventually, however, his fame also brought criticism and he was imprisoned in the Bastille for writing against a member of the government. Prison did not deter him from writing, and it was during his imprisonment that he first used the pen name "Voltaire".

Upon being released, he was exiled in England, where he met many fellow enlightenment intellectuals. A few years later he returned to France and continued writing. During the 1750's Voltaire was profoundly affected by numerous tragedies such as the 1755 earthquake in Lisbon, the Seven Year German War, and the 1757 execution of an admiral. All of these historical events were put into Candide, and doubtless would have been easily recognized by his readers of the time. It was these events that led Voltaire to seriously question the philosophy of optimism that was held by other enlightenment philosophers.

Towards the end of the 1750's Voltaire began writing Candide. Reports vary, but conclude that he began writing in 1757 or 1758. There is a myth that Voltaire wrote Candide in a mere three days, but there is strong evidence to suggest that he took his time with the work. Candide was published in 1759 in a somewhat secretive manner, and instantly became a success because of the controversial and scandalous subjects present in the novel. For this reason, however, the book also inspired considerable controversy and was banned in Paris and later by the Roman Catholic Church.

Despite the controversy, or rather because of it, Candide became a best seller and was published all over the world. The book's popularity spawned numerous sequels and knock-offs, as well as some twentieth century plays. Candide is thought to have influenced absurdist theatre, as well as the black humor genre of literature. It is widely taught in classrooms worldwide, is recognized as a staple of Western literature.