VOLTAIRE. Portable Philosophical Dictionary. - Lot 319

VOLTAIRE. Portable Philosophical Dictionary. A rare Avignon counterfeit. London [Avignon], n.p., 1764. In-12, speckled brown calfskin, smooth spine decorated with gilt fillets and fleurons, red edges. 272 pp. Top cap missing, normal wear and tear, small wormholes at the top of the spine and on the second cover. An abridged counterfeit edition, dated to match the original, printed in Avignon. This famous compilation of articles, published anonymously, epitomizes the spirit of the Enlightenment. Voltaire challenges religious dogma, fanaticism, and injustice, and defends reason, freedom of thought, tolerance, and critical thinking. A fresh copy, virtually free of foxing, in a contemporary binding.