Zadig or the Book of Fate
Voltaire
Read by LibriVox Volunteers
Zadig, ou La Destinée, ("Zadig, or The Book of Fate") (1747) is a famous novel written by the French Enlightenment philosopher Voltaire. It tells the story of Zadig, a philosopher in ancient Babylonia. The author does not attempt any historical accuracy, and some of the problems Zadig faces are thinly disguised references to social and political problems of Voltaire's own day.
The book is philosophical in nature, and presents human life as in the hands of a destiny beyond human control. It is a story of religious and metaphysical orthodoxy, both of which Voltaire challenges with his presentation of the moral revolution taking place in Zadig himself. Voltaire's skillful use of the literary devices of contradiction and juxtaposition are shown in beautiful form in this prose. Behind Candide, it is considered one of his most celebrated works. (3 hr 47 min)
Chapters
Front Matter | 5:19 | Read by Carl Manchester |
Chapter 1 | 9:33 | Read by Carl Manchester |
Chapter 2 | 6:07 | Read by Carl Manchester |
Chapter 3 | 13:18 | Read by Lucy Burgoyne (1950 - 2014) |
Chapter 4 | 13:18 | Read by Lucy Burgoyne (1950 - 2014) |
Chapter 5 | 6:34 | Read by Nicholas James Bridgewater |
Chapter 6 | 9:48 | Read by Philippa Willitts |
Chapter 7 | 13:48 | Read by Nicholas James Bridgewater |
Chapter 8 | 9:17 | Read by Nicholas James Bridgewater |
Chapter 9 | 9:20 | Read by Ezwa |
Chapter 10 | 7:36 | Read by Arouet |
Chapter 11 | 12:06 | Read by Andy |
Chapter 12 | 12:55 | Read by Alan Clare |
Chapter 13 | 10:59 | Read by Andy |
Chapter 14 | 11:04 | Read by Andy |
Chapter 15 | 30:58 | Read by Alan Clare |
Chapter 16 | 14:30 | Read by Michelle White |
Chapter 17 | 18:54 | Read by Ted Delorme |
Chapter 18 | 11:36 | Read by Carl Manchester |
Reviews
Ah, Fate!
Kat
Being a good person may not be enough! Dear Zadig has a great disposition that allows him to suffer thru his fates. Poor man! Well told story. Readers did a good job.
Entertaining,
A LibriVox Listener
the readers had very different styles so each chapter it took a couple minutes to get used to them. They all did a great job though!
Voltaire, Zadig....
Paul Santo
Voltaire is one of my favorites and this book is definitely up on the top of the list... Zadig is now one of my hero's.
GREAT RECORDING
Purifier
I love this recording. Over a year since I first listened to it and I still remember it with satisfaction.
Thought-provoking
CG
A timeless, though-provoking study in comparisons and yuxtapositions, excellently read by Librivox volunteers, each in their own style.
Funny
NSA
I immensely enjoyed this work by Voltaire. His wit is magnificent. The volunteer readers did a fine job.
unimpressed
Terrible readings. I could not goon listening after a while. Very disappointing .
good story
Adam
Enjoyable book. Well read. Thanks!