Œuvres complètes de Voltaire, vol. XXVIIIB: Œuvres de 1742-1745 (II) by David Williams, Myrtille Méricam-Bourdet, Jean Mayer, Ralph A. Nablow, Michel Mervaud, Jeroom Vercruysse, Janet Godden

Abstract

MLR, 105.4, 2010 1157 from that of un observateur distant, qui epie les secrets du pouvoir' into that of un executant au coeur d'une histoire en devenir' (p. 10). The second part opposes two distinct eighteenth-century discourses on space?the theoretical discourse of dramatic critics and commentators attempting to redefine dramatic illusion, and the functional discourses of dramatic characters in their role as mediators of off-stage actions. Finally, the thirdpart focuses on the period's increased attention to the resources of the stage itself?the attention both of dramatists eager to exploit the stage's potential and of spectators, forwhom the physical world on stage introduces an element 'duhasard, du mystere et du sens dans une universalite abstraite' (p. 201). This is an ambitious book, bringing together a wide range ofmaterial yet remaining sensitive to the specificities of individual texts. Indeed, for the most part, Bret-Vitoz handles his material very skilfully, interweaving dramatic theory and tragic practice, close readings and general reflection,modern theoretical perspectives and eighteenth-century writings. Occasionally, he could be accused of overlooking the complexities of classical' (that is, seventeenth-century) tragic practice, forwhich he reserves some of his grander, more boldly abstract and less immediately comprehensible claims?such as Tespace chez les classiques etait toujours metaphorique de l'univers' (p. 11). Generally, though, this is a successful and intelligentwork, and a helpful addition to the field. Royal Holloway, University of London Joseph Harris CEuvres completes de Voltaire, vol. xxviiib: GEuvres de 1/42-1/45 (II). Ed. byDavid Williams, Myrtille Mericam-Bourdet, Jean Mayer, Ralph A. Nablow, Michel Mervaud, Jeroom Vercruysse, and Janet Godden. Oxford: Voltaire Foundation. 2008. xiv+5i8pp. ?110. ISBN 978-0-7294-0899-8. This volume contains a number of short texts?fifteen, plus a selection of shorter verse?on various topics, as well as a key Voltairean text,Le Poeme de Fontenoy. The choice of chronological spread allows for the showcasing of Voltaire's talent in diverse genres, from journalistic curiosities to diplomatic ceuvres de commande. David Williams introduces Sur le theisme, which, he suggests, was a 'highly significant text in the evolution of Voltaire's public position on the question of religious belief and practice' (p. 3).We learn that the texthad originally appeared as Du deisme in 1742, but thatVoltaire changed the title for both tactical and ideological reasons after 1750, as deism was too closely associated with atheism, a doctrine that Voltaire would vigorously oppose (as can be seen in his later response to d'Holbach's Systeme de la nature). Such an approach is a perfect example of Voltaire's consistent efforts to challenge orthodoxy by purporting to respect it. More polemical works from the period include Dufanatisme, awork closely related in its subject-matter to his controversial Mahomet (1741). Other texts from the period (Sur les contradictions de cemonde, Sur ce quon nefait pas, et sur ce quon pourrait faire, Les Pourquoi) deal with practical social and civic issues thatwould come to the fore during his later years at Ferney, such as his criticism of venality and his calls for the investment of tax revenues in public works which 1158 Reviews would enable Paris to rival the greatness of ancient Rome. The message of these minor works chimes, to a certain extent, with the more significant Poeme de Fontenoy. While this poem can be seen as an attempt to ingratiate himself with the royal court, italso shows Voltaire's genuine delight at French military victory under Louis XV. In this critical edition (which saw the contribution of O. R. Taylor, Christopher Todd, and John R. Iverson), bibliographical detail, while copious, is presented clearly, with variants, explanatory footnotes, and the base text appearing together on each page. The introduction is particularly interesting because of the information itprovides regarding the reception of the text.Voltaire's poem was the key text in what became a literary dialogue in which satirical and critical responses to it multiplied, a phenomenon which the editors see as 'un affrontement entre une tradition litteraire qui demande des panegyriques dignes d'un tel evenement et de nouveaux modes de comportement litteraire' (p. 278). National University of Ireland, Maynooth James Hanrahan...