Correspondance Générale d'Helvétius

This volume is the first of three in a complete critical edition of the letters of Claude-Adrien Helv tius (1715-71) and his wife, n e Anne Catherine de Liginville (1722-1800).

Through rank and wealth, Helv tius was acquainted with the leading political and social figures of his time, and, through family, with court and government which he occasionally served in a diplomatic capacity. Philosopher and author of the explosive De l'esprit, Helv tius corresponded with the great and the influential throughout Europe. His letters, and those of Mme Helv tius, provide insights into, and new information about, their lives and the political, social, and intellectual history of the eighteenth century.

Volume I contains almost 250 letters written by or to Helv tius or his wife. Of these, the largest collections are those from Helv tius to Mme Helv tius, made available by his descendants, and letters from the future Mmem Helv tius to her aunt, Mme de Graffigny, which are at Yale University. Letters to or from third parties are also included. Much of this correspondence has never before been published.

Correspondance g n rale d'Helv tius is fascinating to read; it is indispensable for future study of Helv tius' life and work and of Mme Helv tius' influence on her husband his his circle. This volume has a preface by Comte Charles-Antoine d'Andlau, a descendant of Helv tius, and an introduction by the editors setting out their editorial and critical principles and system of annotation. (University of Toronto Romance Series 41)