Scope and Content

In the letter, Frederick tells Voltaire about his battles with Austria-Hungary, his alliance with Poland, and other military observations. Also included in the folder are two transcriptions of the letter in French. The letter is signed by Frederick.

Scope and Content

These three letters were difficult to read and translate so a detailed summary is not available. In the letter of January 8, Frederick mentions (and probably expands upon), varied topics such as Machiavellian tactics, marriage contracts, and Mexico. In the letter of February 3, he proposes devoting the century (the 18th century) to Louis le Grand and asks what Voltaire thinks of it. The letter of April 12 includes some lines of poetry. All three letters are signed by Frederick.

Scope and Content In this letter Frederick wishes that the "hot fever" of Europe would recover soon. He tells Voltaire that he himself is no longer sick in bosy or mind. The end of the letter turns political as Frederick addresses the Austrians directly, telling them that their ambition and their desire to dominate everything actually created more enemies for them, and that there will always be defenders of German and European liberties. This is probably a reference to the Seven Years War, which was fought...

Scope and Content

In this letter, Frederick the Great talks about how his nephew had the pleasure of listening to Voltaire. Frederick mentions that he is envious of his nephew. He also discusses Voltaire's idea of establishing a "colony of philosophers" in Clèves, and says that he does not oppose the idea. Towards the end of the letter, he compliments Voltaire on his genius, a theme that is common in many of Frederick's letters. The letter is signed with a large and elegant letter "F".

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The August letter in this folder discusses the injustice of the execution of Jean Calas because he was not a Catholic. Frederick complains about how Calas had no proof or evidence against him, and also did not have a witness. He writes how he thinks that the law should punish people in proportion to their faults, but that in the case of Calas, it didn't happen that way because the magistrates used their own judgment instead. The letters are signed with a large and elegant letter "F".

Scope and Content In this letter Frederick talks about how he lives in a province where people value the physical (such as cultivating fields, building houses, and having children) above the metaphysical. Later in the letter he discusses the fact that the "sparks of religious hatred" which were present before the war are now extinct and tolerance wins in the thought of the people. Finally, Frederick mentions that Voltaire's works are in the hands of everyone; there is no portion of society where his name is...

Scope and Content

In this letter, Frederick talks of his own faith being "lukewarm", and cites that as the reason why he is able to tolerate the faiths of all others. He also discusses and expands upon his belief that "superstition is a weakness of the human spirit". The letter is signed with a large and elegant letter "F".

Scope and Content In these 5 letters, Frederick the Great compliments Voltaire on his genius, and discusses topics common throughout many of his letters, including such topics as freedom of religion and of opinion, theology, superstitions, the Vatican, and the philosophers. Three of the letters in this folder include a poem in the body of the letters. The poems appear to be written by Frederick. The letter dated May 24, 1770 contains an interesting line which may be a genuine compliment or a...

Scope and Content In this letter, Voltaire mentions how he has been ordered to rest in his bed, and so will begin to transcribe Mohammed during the coming days. He discusses different routes that can be used to go to Aix la Chapelle. He thanks Frederick for the "beautiful compliments" he paid Voltaire in his last letter. The letter begins and ends with a poem, assumedly written by Voltaire. He uses many metaphors and flowery language in his poetry. He mentions some mythological characters/ ideas in the...

Scope and Content It is clear from this letter that Voltaire thinks very highly of Frederick. Toward the beginning of the letter he says that Frederick is "counted among the kings" but is "more than them". Voltaire compliments Frederick on performing big actions, and being wise, and writing poetry and music with ease. He writes of his hope that Frederick will "strengthen Europe, as it has shaken." The letter ends with Voltaire saying- "The philosopher king is exactly what the philosopher who is not king tried...