• Candide and Zadig

  • By: Voltaire
  • Narrated by: Clive Chafer
  • Length: 6 hrs and 24 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (153 ratings)

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Candide and Zadig  By  cover art

Candide and Zadig

By: Voltaire
Narrated by: Clive Chafer
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Publisher's summary

These two classic coming-of-age stories by Voltaire parody the romanticism of his day with the ruthless wit that has made him the undisputed master of social commentary.

Candide, which is alternately titled Optimism, is a merciless satire and exposé of the ideas and institutions men live by. In this philosophical fantasy, the naïve Candide comes to witness and to suffer such misfortune that he rejects the philosophy of his tutor, Dr. Pangloss, who claims that “all is for the best in this best of all possible worlds.”

Zadig is the story of another optimist—young, rich, beautiful, and engaged to a woman he loves. When his early hopes and assets are destroyed, he embarks on a journey that will systematically explore science, religion, and the military, contributing to each, betrayed by all. Through these trials, he will eventually win the kingdom of Babylon.

Public Domain (P)2011 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“A masterful satire on the follies and vices of men.” (Masterpieces of World Literature on Candide)

What listeners say about Candide and Zadig

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Best narrating ever!

I liked the stories of both books and the narrating was the best I've heard. Big props to the narrator.

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Good read...

These sories are interesting. I had no idea Voltaire wrote such stories. I just wonder why everone is fainting in these stories all the time :D

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Two Beautifully-read Masterpieces

Clive Chafer interprets the satire, humor and wit of Voltaire beautifully. This was a delightful listen!

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  • MC
  • 05-09-23

Wonderful literary creations

These two books are classically wonderful literary creations centered on human nature from moral, theological and social perspectives. 275 years after initial publications, Voltaire’s focus on the virtuous soul resonates so strongly in today’s void and lack of such.

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The Source of Modern Literature

Voltaire's Candide, more than any other work of prose, has influenced my life. This homily of friendship, love, and virtue provides humour, solace, and wise guidance in a too frequently harsh and inexplicable world.

Zadig, an earlier work, extends the limits of what then was literature. I also wonder if it's content, meaning and style influenced Nietzsche's Thus Spake Zarathustra.

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A great book

A wonderful book that I found to be developmental and maturative for a young man coming of age such as myself. I found such great relation with the protagonist and also the author. I further highly recommend this book.

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