Autograph letter from Voltaire to Frederick II of Prussia, dated 6 January 1778 [1770] [D16397].
Identifiers
CMV:
CMV36706
Repository:
Shelfmark:
5-240 (VII, f.70), ‘Au roi de Prusse, 6 janvier 1778, à Ferney (M. 7912)’
Title:
Autograph letter from Voltaire to Frederick II of Prussia, dated 6 January 1778 [1770] [D16397].
Collection(s):
Related record(s):
No related manuscripts found.
Link to Digital Resource:
Link to Archive Catalogue:
OCLC Number:
Reproductions:
Content
People:
Incipit Diplomatic:
Quand un cordelier incendie
Incipit Modernised:
Quand un cordelier incendie
Language(s):
In Voltaire’s Hand:
Partly
Brief Summary:
Autograph letter from Voltaire to Frederick II of Prussia, dated 6 January 1778 [1770].
Detailed Summary:
The writer critiques the juxtaposition of sacred texts with trivial farces by a sovereign, which he regards as a serious misjudgment. He laments the futility of punishing ecclesiastical figures like Ganganelli, wishing instead that the King would confront broader absurdities within the Church. Despite his earlier high hopes, the writer acknowledges the King’s practical heroism and wisdom, while expressing a preference for classical over contemporary prejudices. He concludes by requesting the King’s indulgence toward his own longstanding biases and reflects on his desire to have lived and died in the King’s presence.
MS1 first reading: 7 or 4; Wagnière endorsed MS1 au Roi de Prusse, and a later hand added 1777 (not 1771, as stated by Koser-Droysen, III.178, who believed the date was in Voltaire’s hand). This was transcribed by MS2–3; Caussy (p. 31) altered the year to 1778.
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:
The MS carries a few autograph additions.
Marginalia Keywords:
Inclusions:
History
Date:
6 January 1778 [1770]
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)
OCV Reference:
vol.120, p.238–240
OCV Manuscript Reference:
vol.120, ‘MS1’, p.240
Record created by:
Record created on: