Autograph letter from Voltaire to Frederick II of Prussia, dated 1776 [April/May 1777] [D20657].
Identifiers
CMV:
CMV36702
Repository:
Shelfmark:
5-240 (VII, f.65), ‘Cette lettre doit être de 1776 (M. 9991)’
Title:
Autograph letter from Voltaire to Frederick II of Prussia, dated 1776 [April/May 1777] [D20657].
Collection(s):
Related record(s):
No related manuscripts found.
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OCLC Number:
Reproductions:
Content
People:
Incipit Diplomatic:
Quoi donc c’est cet heureux vainqueur
Incipit Modernised:
Quoi donc c’est cet heureux vainqueur
Language(s):
In Voltaire’s Hand:
Partly
Brief Summary:
Autograph letter from Voltaire to Frederick II of Prussia, dated 1776 [April/May 1777] .
Detailed Summary:
The author praises the King for his remarkable accomplishments and his profound support for both philosophical and literary works, even highlighting his protection of philosophers and writers who face persecution. He reflects on the unexpected and diverse interests of the King, noting his patronage of Deshoulieres’ works and his engagement with philosophical ideas. The author also laments the persecution of a philosopher, drawing a parallel with his own sufferings and the injustices faced by various notable individuals. He concludes by expressing gratitude for the King’s support and requesting its continuation until his final moments. Furthermoe, Wagnière endorsed ‘cette Lettre doit être de 1776’, but all editions have placed it in April 1777, except Koser-Droysen iii.404–406, who prefer May; as this is a reply to Frederick’s letter of 26 March (D20614), and as the king in turn answered it on 1 June, the above date is as near as we can get.
Keyword(s):
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:
Wagnière endorsed ‘cette Lettre doit être de 1776’.
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History
Date:
1776 [April/May 1777]
Ownership:
Origin (transcript):
Origin:
Provenance:
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)
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