
audiobook
by King of Prussia Frederick II, Voltaire
A lively collection of letters unfolds the remarkable friendship between one of the Enlightenment’s most celebrated philosophers and a youthful monarch eager to shape his realm. Through Voltaire’s sharp wit and the king’s keen curiosity, the exchange reveals debates on literature, philosophy, and the practical challenges of governing a rising European power.
The correspondence offers listeners a rare glimpse into the personal side of history: courteous greetings, candid reflections on court life, and mutual admiration that bridges the gap between Parisian salons and Prussian palaces. As the dialogue progresses, the two men navigate topics ranging from the arts to military reforms, all while maintaining a tone of respect and good‑humored banter.
Beyond its historical significance, the letters capture the spirit of an age where ideas traveled across borders, shaping minds and policies alike. Hearing these exchanges brings the 18th‑century intellectual world to life, inviting you to join a conversation that still resonates today.
Language
fr
Duration
~5 hours (288K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Mireille Harmelin, Chuck Greif and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at DP Europe (http://dp.rastko.net); produced from images of the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BNF/Gallica) at http://gallica.bnf.fr
Release date
2008-06-09
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
1712–1786
Remembered as Frederick the Great, this Prussian king was a brilliant battlefield commander, a sharp political thinker, and a ruler with a real passion for music and philosophy. His life combines war, ambition, intellect, and the making of Prussia into a major European power.
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1694–1778
A restless, witty voice of the Enlightenment, this French writer used satire, history, and philosophy to challenge intolerance and abuse of power. His sharp, entertaining works still feel daring centuries later.
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