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This treatise on political theory, originally published anonymously in 1748, has become one of the most influential works of political science ever written. French philosopher Charles-Louis de Secondat, Baron de Montesquieu wrote this piece under the inspiration of such political theorists as René Descartes, Nicholas de Malebranche, and Niccolò Machiavelli. The ideas laid forth by Montesquieu in this work, especially that of balancing power among branches of government, had a prominent influence on the American Constitution, although at the time of its publication was subject to censorship. Over twenty years in the making, «The Spirit of Laws» considers a vast range of political topics including: the preservation of civil liberties, taxation, slavery, commerce, the role of women, crime and punishment, religion, education, morality and the law, and other matters of political, sociological, and anthropological importance. Undoubtedly, it has become one of the most emulated and highly-regarded treatises on political law ever written.

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Immensely popular throughout France and Europe upon its first publication in 1721, “Persian Letters” exemplifies the spirit of eighteenth-century libertinism and Enlightenment. Written by Charles de Montesquieu, this epistolary novel is told through a collection of letters and recounts the observations and experiences of two Persian noblemen traveling through France. The various writers of the letters are astute observers and this satirical story of eighteenth-century French society touches on fundamental questions of human nature, the manners and flirtations of polite society, attitudes on morality, the structures of power, and the hypocrisy of religion. Montesquieu’s subtle, witty criticisms of government and social customs are softened through the lens of his central character, Usbek, a young courtier who has travelled to Europe to escape persecution along with Rica, his good-humored travel companion. This brilliant work is a colorful interpretation of early eighteenth-century society as well as an enduring exploration of morality and societal customs in an increasingly modern world.

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This treatise on political theory, originally published anonymously in 1748, has become one of the most influential works of political science ever written. French philosopher Charles de Montesquieu wrote this piece under the inspiration of such political theorists as René Descartes, Nicholas de Malebranche, and Niccolò Machiavelli. The ideas laid forth by Montesquieu in this work, especially that of balancing power among branches of government, had a prominent influence on the American Constitution, although at the time of its publication was subject to censorship. Over twenty years in the making, “The Spirit of Laws” considers a vast range of political topics including: the preservation of civil liberties, taxation, slavery, commerce, the role of women, crime and punishment, religion, education, morality and the law, and other matters of political, sociological, and anthropological importance. Undoubtedly, it has become one of the most emulated and highly-regarded treatises on political law ever written.

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Immensely popular upon its publication in 1721 throughout France and other European countries, «Persian Letters» exemplifies the spirit of that definitive age of libertinism and Enlightenment. Told through the astute observations of two fictional Persian travelers in Europe, this satirical story of eighteenth century French society touches on fundamental questions of human nature, the manners and flirtations of polite society, attitudes on morality, the structures of power, and the hypocrisy of religion. Montesquieu's subtle, witty criticisms of government and social customs are softened through the lens of his central character, Usbek, a young courtier who has travelled to Europe to escape persecution along with Rica, his good-humored travel companion. This brilliant work of Enlightenment literature, suggested to have been an enormous influence on the American Constitution, is a colorful interpretation of early eighteenth century society as well as enduring questions of morality and societal customs.

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«Pärsia kirjad» on satiirižanri põhjapanevamaid teoseid maailmakirjanduses. Et aga «Pärsia kirjade» huumor ja satiir meile mõistetavad oleksid, oleks ehk kohane meenutada ajastut. Louis XIV, valitsenud suurriiki 74 aastat (kauem pole vist üleüldse keegi maailma ajaloos riiki valitsenud), suri kogu Euroopale kergenduseks 1715.a. Troonipärija Louis XV-nda alaealisuse tõttu hakkas riiki juhtima Orléans'i hertsog Philippe, kes armastas luksust, pidusid ja tralli. Ka paberraha sissetooja John Law' afäär langeb just sellesse ajajärku. Valitseva ringkonna argielu oli üks lõpmata pillerkaar, õukondlaste vaimsel piiratusel polnud aga põhja ega lage… Nojah, tuleb tuttav ette. Tõepoolest, «Pärsia kirju» lugedes jääb mulje, et maailm pole mitme sajandi vältel suurt muutunudki. Aga kas siis šedöövritega pole ikka nii? Eks nad seetõttu šedöövrid olegi, et aeg pole suutnud nende sõnumit kahandada ega ähmastada.... Kaks noort pärslast saabuvad Euroopasse ja mida nad siin kõik näevad ja kuulevad?!?… Lauri Leesi

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