A classic work of the European Enlightenment--and one of the most popular, if scandalous, in its day--the Persian Letters captures, in an engaging epistolary format, the transformational spirit of the era. Amid an ongoing tale rife with sex, violence, and wit, the work addresses a diverse range of topics from human nature and the origins of society, to the nature and role of religious belief, the role of women, statecraft, justice, morality, and human identity. With skill and artistry, Raymond MacKenzie's stunning new translation accurately reflects the mood and character of the work. In his richly conceived Introduction, MacKenzie seamlessly weaves together an overview of the period with details of Montesquieu's life, including the influences that inspired the Persian Letters , the character and power of the book, and its reception. This edition also includes a Calendar of the Persian Letters , a Bibliography of Works in English, and a Bibliography of Works in French. Related texts provide insight into the legacy of the Persian Letters . They include selections from works by George Lyttelton, Voltaire, Oliver Goldsmith, and Maria Edgeworth.

About the Author
Raymond N. MacKenzie is Professor of English, University of St. Thomas. His other works include a translation of Francois Mauriac's Therese Desqueyroux (Rowman & Littlefield, 2005), Baudelaire's Paris Spleen and La Fanfarlo (Hackett, 2008), and Flaubert's Madame Bovary (Hackett, 2009).


Book Information
ISBN 9781624661815
Author Montesquieu
Format Hardback
Page Count 344
Imprint Hackett Publishing Co, Inc
Publisher Hackett Publishing Co, Inc