Classics · Satire and dark comedy
Candide
The naive Candide, taught that this is the best of all possible worlds, is thrown out of his castle and meets war, earthquake and cruelty across Europe and the Americas.
Facts last checked 2026-10-17
- First published
- 1759
- Pace
- Fast
- Length
- Short
- Pages
- 208
- Format
- Standalone
Read this if you enjoy short, biting Enlightenment satire.
Skip this if you want realistic characters rather than a deliberate string of misfortunes.
The feel
Content warnings
Also reported by Hardcover readers:
Quick answers about Candide
- What is Candide about?
- The naive Candide, taught that this is the best of all possible worlds, is thrown out of his castle and meets war, earthquake and cruelty across Europe and the Americas.
- Who should read Candide?
- Read it if you enjoy short, biting Enlightenment satire. Skip it if you want realistic characters rather than a deliberate string of misfortunes.
- How long and how fast is Candide?
- It is a fast-paced, short read of about 208 pages, first published in 1759.
- Does Candide have content warnings?
- Content we flag: Violence, War, Slavery, Sexual assault.
- Can I borrow Candide for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Candide; the borrow button above searches it for you.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Bookshop.org | Check price | Buy new from Bookshop.org |
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
| Google Play Books | Check price | Buy ebook from Google Play Books |
| Audiobook | ||
| Libro.fm | Check price | Buy audiobook from Libro.fm |
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
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