Letters on England by Voltaire

Letters on England is a small collection of letters written by Voltaire (born François-Marie Arouet) in 1733 which offers a survey of societal England from the view of a Frenchmen. The original Letters on England, titled Lettres philosophiques, was written in English by Voltaire. This first edition was quite a cumbersome read and so in 1980 Leonard Tancock retranslated the book to English from a previous French edition. Just a few years prior to the release of Letters on England, Voltaire had been imprisoned by France and then exiled to England. This incarceration and banishment was in response to satirical compositions written by Voltaire that the French political powers felt undermined their rule. Despite harsh censorship laws, Voltaire still wrote many works over his lifetime which critically questioned European traditions; often times manifesting quite a satirical touch to the piece. He was often critical of established religion and absolute monarchy, including the tight church-state relationship, expressing his distaste for their hypocritical behaviors and corruptness. Voltaire’s works occasionally commented on the importance of empiricism and experiential philosophy, ideas which had just begun to gain traction over the previous few decades. Letters on England was Voltaire’s response to what he observed during his time in England: a society with religious tolerance, a moderate political power, and an emphasis on science and the arts. He saw the French government and its equally authoritative church as a persecutory tyranny, stifling the thoughts and rights of its citizens. Voltaire’s writing is often said to have had a large influence on the Enlightenment era, especially in France and England. In fact, the French R...

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In conclusion, there are many examples of how Letters on England gives modern insights into the Enlightenment Era. Voltaire thoroughly discussed religious ideals of England and France at the time as well as the rising views on religious tolerance. He discussed the differences in English and French rule. A strong emphasis and great detail was discussed pertaining to the most recent methods of enlightenment and learning truths. Although Voltaire did discuss many factual events which occurred during the Enlightenment Era, it should be noted that his opinions are based through the eyes of civilian of middle class. Voltaire observed what he felt was a tolerant, progressive society in England but such an opinion might have differed has he been of a lower class. Nonetheless, Letters on England is a great supplementary source in learning about the Enlightenment Era.