Published in 1759, Candide' is a parody of eighteenth-century adventure-romance and a satire on Liebnizian optimism. It is considered one of the most important works in Western literary canon. Its strong criticism of the Roman Catholic Church, as well as the governments of France, Prussia, England, and Portugal, resulted in the novel being almost immediately banned in some countries. In the centuries since, it has been plagiarized, imitated, and adapted for film, television, and opera many times.

It is the story of a gentle man who, though pummeled and slapped in every direction by fate, clings desperately to the belief that he lives in "the best of all possible worlds." On the surface a witty, bantering tale, this eighteenth-century classic is actually a savage, satiric thrust at the philosophical optimism that proclaims that all disaster and human suffering is part of a benevolent cosmic plan. Alive with wit, brilliance, and graceful storytelling, 'Candide' has become Voltaire's most celebrated work.