Lecturas desde la cárcel. Crítica política y afirmación española en la Europa de mediados del siglo XVIII: Macanaz sobre Voltaire

Abstract

Various critical interpretations took place in Spain as a consequence of the spread of Voltaire’s work. In this article we analyze one of the most original responses of those written in its time, such as the one prepared by the Bourbon politician, Melchor Macanaz (1670-1760). Through two unpublished manuscripts dated at the end of his long life, we examine Macanaz’s reading of two works attributed by him to Voltaire, an excuse that will serve primarily to vindicate his career and affirmated his particular way of understanding of political relations in Europe from of Spanish leadership.

Keywords

• voltaire
• melchor macanaz
• circulation of ideas
• political criticism
• 18thcentury