Persian Letters
Quick Summary
Persian Letters (Lettres persanes), published in 1721, is a satirical novel by Montesquieu. The work presents a critical view of French, particularly Parisian, society through the imagined perspectives of two Persian travelers.12
The novel uses this fictional lens to critique various aspects of French civilization, including its customs, politics, and social hierarchies. It is infused with a spirit of irreverent and iconoclastic criticism, which contributed significantly to Montesquieu's fame. The book also touches upon themes such as the state of nature, comparing Islam and Christianity, and satirizing religious doctrines.12
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
history of EuropeMan and societyIn the Persian Letters (1721), he had used the supposed correspondence of a Persian visitor to Paris to satirize both the church (under that “magician” the pope) and the society upon which it appeared to impose so fraudulently. His masterpiece, The Spirit of Laws, appeared in 22…
Read MoreIn the Persian Letters (1721), he had used the supposed correspondence of a Persian visitor to Paris to satirize both the church (under that “magician” the pope) and the society upon which it appeared to impose so fraudulently. His masterpiece, The Spirit of Laws, appeared in 22…
Read More
French literatureThe EnlightenmentHis Lettres persanes (1721; Persian Letters) established his reputation. A fictional set of correspondences centered on two Persians making their first visit to Europe, they depict satirically a Paris in transition between the old dogmatic absolutes of monarchy and religion and the freedoms of a new age. At their…
Read MoreHis Lettres persanes (1721; Persian Letters) established his reputation. A fictional set of correspondences centered on two Persians making their first visit to Europe, they depict satirically a Paris in transition between the old dogmatic absolutes of monarchy and religion and the freedoms of a new age. At their…
Read More