Voltaire and Spain: A Study in National Imagery

FAIN: FA-12054-78

Paul Ilie
University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA 90089-0012)

To study the works of Voltaire as they reflect a stereotyped cultural concept of the Hispanic world. The topic has been generally ignored by scholars, in spite of the profound importance of French-Spanish relations during Voltaire's lifetime. The grantee plans to examine the texts as ethnological discourse reflecting Voltaire’s value-system and his self-awareness.