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Copy of a letter from Voltaire to Marie-Anne de Vichy-Chamrond, marquise Du Deffand, written from Potsdam and dated 20 July [1751] [D4525]

Voltaire followed numerous diet regimes to try and fix his notably poor health: vegetarianism and a milk diet being just two of many. With health kicks on many peoples’ minds this New Year, and with the return of Veganuary, the manuscript of the month this January features a wonderful discussion of the abundance of fruit available in Potsdam, even in the cold winters of January.

Writing to the marquise Du Deffand on 20 July 1751, Voltaire speaks of the freedoms he enjoys in Potsdam, having left the confines of Paris and discovered the ability to think, write, and say what he pleases. In particular, he praises Frederick II of Prussia, noting that he won five battles and enjoys such superfluity that he wants for nothing. To demonstrate this point, Voltaire remarks on the availability of strawberries, peaches, grapes, and pineapple in January, fruits that would have been a luxury when in season, let alone in the depths of cold Prussian winters.

Whatever else Voltaire was eating in Prussia at this time, it is clear that the summer and tropical fruits on offer made a big impression on him, ornamenting his glowing report of the freedoms of Potsdam.

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