Letter from Voltaire to Pierre Joseph André Roubaud, written from Ferney and dated 1 July 1769 [D15721]
Identifiers
CMV:
CMV36764
Repository:
Shelfmark:
5-240 (VII, f.168-9), ‘A Ferney, 1er juillet, à M. l’abbé Roubaud (M. 7578)’
Title:
Letter from Voltaire to Pierre Joseph André Roubaud, written from Ferney and dated 1 July 1769 [D15721]
Collection(s):
Link to Archive Catalogue:
Link to Digital Resource:
OCLC Number:
Reproductions:
The Besterman Collection, Geneva
Content
People:
Incipit Diplomatic:
Vôtre livre, Monsieur, me parait éloquent, profond et utile.
Incipit Modernised:
Votre livre, Monsieur, me parait éloquent, profond et utile.
Language(s):
In Voltaire’s Hand:
Partly
Brief Summary:
Letter from Voltaire to Pierre Joseph André Roubaud, written from château de Ferney and dated 1 July 1769.
Detailed Summary:
The writer praises the recipient’s book as eloquent, profound, and valuable, particularly noting its insights on the benefits of free trade for national prosperity. They agree with the idea that agriculture must be encouraged alongside trade and express concern about France’s labour shortages despite its large population. They suggest that addressing the issue of mendicants and supporting agricultural reforms could enhance productivity. The writer concludes by commending the recipient’s work and expressing deep respect and gratitude.
Keyword(s):
Genre(s):
Status:
Physical Description
Material(s):
Extent:
2 ff.
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:
1 July 1769
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:
119, p. 56–57
OCV Manuscript Reference:
119, ‘MS2’, p. 57
Record created by:
Record created on: