Letters on the English

Definition

Also known as "Letters Concerning the English Nation," this is a series of essays written by Voltaire based on his experiences living in England between 1726 and 1729 (compared to France).

Analogy

Imagine you're an exchange student writing home about all the cool things you've noticed about your host country - that's what Voltaire did with "Letters on the English."

Related terms

Cultural Comparison: Comparing different cultures' beliefs, values, norms etc., just like what Voltaire did between England and France in his letters.

Anglophilia: Appreciation or fondness for England or its people. This term can describe some aspects of Voltaire’s perspective expressed in "Letters on the English."

Satire: The use of humor, irony, exaggeration or ridicule to expose or criticize people's stupidity or vices. This literary device was often used by Voltaire in his works.