Caliste; ou lettres écrites de Lausanne

novel by Charriére

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July 21, 2026

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Caliste; ou lettres écrites de Lausanne is a novel by Isabelle de Charrière, published in 1786. It is considered one of her most important works.1

The novel is epistolary, meaning it is told through letters. It is set in Lausanne and features philosophical reflection, psychological observation, and local color. Charrière's work often expressed views critical of aristocratic privilege, conventional morality, and religious orthodoxy, while also opposing revolutionary radicalism. Her writing anticipated the emancipated ideas that would become prominent in the early 19th century.1

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Isabelle de Charrière
…which the most important were Caliste; ou, lettres écrites de Lausanne (1786; “Caliste; or, Letters Written from Lausanne”) and Lettres neuchâteloises (1784; “Letters of Neuchâtel”), abound in philosophical reflection, refined psychological observation, and local colour.
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…which the most important were Caliste; ou, lettres écrites de Lausanne (1786; “Caliste; or, Letters Written from Lausanne”) and Lettres neuchâteloises (1784; “Letters of Neuchâtel”), abound in philosophical reflection, refined psychological observation, and local colour.
Read More