Witty and caustic, Candide has ranked as one of the world's great satires since its first publication in 1759. In the story of the trials and travails of the youthful Candide, his mentor Dr. Pangloss, and a host of other characters, Voltaire mercilessly satirizes and exposes romance, science, philosophy, religion, and government.
Here's a sample of other books in this Dover category
She Stoops to Conquer by Oliver Goldsmith Charming satire concerns a young lady who poses as a serving girl to win the heart of a young gentleman too shy to court ladies of his own class. Notes.
The Misanthrope by Molière One of the best of Molière's comedies, focusing on a man who is quick to criticize the faults of others, yet remains blind to his own. Publisher's Note.
Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions by Edwin A. Abbott Classic of science (and mathematical) fiction — charmingly illustrated by the author — describes the adventures of A. Square, a resident of Flatland, in Spaceland (three dimensions), Lineland (one dimension), and Pointland (no dimensions).
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll Beloved classic about a little girl lost in a topsy-turvy land and her encounters with the White Rabbit, March Hare, Mad Hatter, Cheshire Cat, and other delightfully improbable characters. 42 illustrations by Sir John Tenniel.
Oscar Wilde’s Wit and Wisdom: A Book of Quotations by Oscar Wilde Amusing, thought-provoking epigrams, aphorisms, and other jests from the plays, essays, and lively conversation of Oscar Wilde offer a feast of humorous and profound quips. Nearly 400 quotes.
La Rochefoucauld Maxims by La Rochefoucauld, John Heard, Jr. Often poetic, occasionally ironic, and frequently humorous, this collection of more than 500 thought-provoking revelations will also serve as a sourcebook for anyone who needs a quick quip.
The History of Rasselas: Prince of Abissinia by Samuel Johnson The distinguished English writer's only novel provides a compelling glimpse of his moral views as he assails 18th-century optimism and man's unrealistic estimates of what life has to offer.
Great French Short Stories by Paul Negri Features 12 classic tales, including "The Necklace" (Maupassant); "The Unknown Masterpiece" (Balzac); "The Attack on the Mill" (Zola); plus works by Gide, Daudet, and 7 other authors.
Utopia by Sir Thomas More 16th-century classic by English ecclesiastic and scholar envisioned a tolerant, patriarchal island kingdom free of private property, violence, bloodshed and vice. Forerunner of many later attempts.
Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift Great classic by preeminent prose satirist of the English language, written with disarming simplicity and careful attention to detail. An enchanting fantasy for children; for adults, a witty parody of political life in Swift's time.
