In his masterpiece, Voltaire tells us the story of Candide, a young man who leads a life of great ease in a baron’s castle. Under the tutelage of Dr. Pangloss, he learns that this world is the best of all possible worlds and that everything in life inevitably leads to the best outcome. But after being caught embracing the baron’s daughter, Candide is expelled from the castle. He soon learns by experience that the real world is quite unlike the teachings of the optimistic Pangloss. Candide’s story is a rejection of overemphasized optimism in favor of a practical philosophy that is more reality-based.
This special exhibition at the Folger features rare books from the collection of Stuart and Mimi Rose that present literary, cultural, and historical high points.
