Search
Close this search box.

Best Enlightenment Literature Books

December 2024

Persian Letters

Montesquieu’s “Persian Letters” is a witty and incisive satire that still resonates today. Through the eyes of two Persian travelers in France, the author cleverly critiques 18th-century European society. I was struck by how the outsiders’ perspective reveals absurdities we might otherwise overlook. The epistolary format keeps things lively, with each letter offering fresh insights. It’s remarkable how Montesquieu manages to be both entertaining and thought-provoking, tackling weighty topics with a light touch. A true classic that feels surprisingly modern.