Candide

Voltaire's razor-sharp satire on philosophical optimism, "Candide", is coupled here with another of the author's most celebrated works, "Zadig".

Both challenge the moral and philosophical orthodoxies of the day with humour and sly wit, whilst parodying the cliched formulas of so many contemporary novels. "Candide" traces the fortunes of its titular character, a staunch optimist who eventually becomes disillusioned by a series of hardships and misfortunes. "Zadig" likewise follows its main character Zadig, a Babylonian philosopher, as he is subjected to the whims of Fate and the machinations of those around him.