the Princess of Babylon is a philosophical Conte little known, written by Voltaire in 1768.

This tale puts in scene several characters, including two principal, Amazan and Formosante, which as in Candide, are brought to travel. Through this voyage, Voltaire will make pass the fundamental values of the Lumières.

Summary

Formosante is princess of Babylon. His/her father wants to find a husband worthy of it. All the nobility of the time ravels with the palate: the Pharaon of Egypt and his ox Apis, the king of the Indies, large the khan of the Scythians… And a beautiful unknown. It is called Amazan. He is shepherd. Carried by unicorns and escorted of a phoenix, it falls passionately in love with the princess, and the love at first sight is reciprocal. But the idylle is quickly stopped by the death of the father of Amazan. Obliged to leave Babylon, it is joined by Formosante, and the tormented lovers leave to research their destiny, between the fabulous East and a disastrous Occident subjected to the Inquisition.

External bonds