Letter from Voltaire to René Nicolas Charles Augustin de Maupeou, written from Ferney and dated 22 August 1770 [D16605]
Identifiers
CMV:
CMV36751
Repository:
Shelfmark:
5-240 (VII, f.148), ‘Au chancelier Maupeou, Ferney, 22 auguste 1770 (M. 8005)’
Title:
Letter from Voltaire to René Nicolas Charles Augustin de Maupeou, written from Ferney and dated 22 August 1770 [D16605]
Collection(s):
Related record(s):
No related manuscripts found.
Link to Archive Catalogue:
Link to Digital Resource:
OCLC Number:
Reproductions:
The Besterman Collection, Geneva, photocopy
Content
People:
Incipit Diplomatic:
Monseigneur, Il ne faut point prendre la liberté de vous présenter des ouvrages nouveaux, parce qu’assurément vous pensez mieux que les auteurs de ce siècle.
Incipit Modernised:
Monseigneur, Il ne faut point prendre la liberté de vous présenter des ouvrages nouveaux, parce qu’assurément vous pensez mieux que les auteurs de ce siècle.
Language(s):
In Voltaire’s Hand:
Partly
Brief Summary:
Letter from Voltaire to René Nicolas Charles Augustin de Maupeou, written from Les Délices to Oliva and dated 22 August 1770.
Detailed Summary:
The writer expresses that presenting new works to the recipient, who is esteemed as a leading figure in literature, seems unnecessary as the recipient’s own letters surpass contemporary books in quality. However, given the current tumultuous state of European affairs, the writer feels it is appropriate to offer a modest critique of a prevailing system of thought. They humbly hope that the recipient might find some value in the critique and are deeply respectful.
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Physical Description
Material(s):
Extent:
1 f.
Format:
Dimensions:
Hands:
2
Watermark:
Countermark:
Binding:
The manuscript is bound with other documents in contemporary red morocco.
Additional Comments:
Materiality Keywords:
Decorations:
Additions:
The manuscript carries a few autograph additions.
Marginalia Keywords:
Inclusions:
History
Date:
22 August 1770
Ownership:
After Voltaire’s death, the MS passed into the ownership of Catherine II and remained in the imperial and then national collection thereafter.
Origin (transcript):
Origin:
Provenance:
This MS was probably taken to St Petersburg by Wagnière in the summer of 1779 along with the rest of Voltaire’s library.
Bibliography
Bibliography:
Fernand Caussy, Inventaire des manuscrits de la bibliothèque de Voltaire conservée à la bibliothèque impériale publique de Saint-Pétersbourg (Geneva, Slatkine reprints, 1970)
OCV Reference:
120, p. 410–411
OCV Manuscript Reference:
120, ‘MS1’, p. 411
Record created by:
Record created on: