Skip to main content

Primary sourceBooktranslated edition, original work c. 1700s

The Temple of Gnidus, Cephisa and Cupid, Arsaces and Ismenia

Montesquieu · translated edition, original work c. 1700s

A collection of Montesquieu's lighter literary works in English translation, showing a different side of his writing.

These lighter prose works, written by Montesquieu, show a different, literary side of the philosopher.

Ask Baron de Montesquieu about this sourceView the original(opens in new tab)
The Temple of Gnidus, Cephisa and Cupid, Arsaces and IsmeniaPDF · 164 pages
Montesquieu, The Temple of Gnidus and other works. Scanned edition, Internet Archive.

About this source

What it is

This book collects several of Montesquieu's shorter prose pieces, including The Temple of Gnidus, in English translation. It survives as a scanned volume from a library collection.

Why it matters

Montesquieu is best known for his political philosophy, but these lighter literary works show his range as a writer, including romantic and allegorical fiction, which was popular reading in the eighteenth century.

Look closer

  • Why might a serious political philosopher also write romantic or fictional prose?
  • What might translators and editors add or change when preparing an old text for new readers?
  • How does this book compare to Montesquieu's political works in tone and purpose?

This book is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Baron de Montesquieu on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

More Baron de Montesquieu sources

Meet the AI Baron de Montesquieu →
Title page of the first volume of De l'Esprit des loix, printed in Geneva by Barrillot & Fils. Large title in capitals, a decorative emblem with a column and the motto 'EX RECTO DECUS', and handwritten marginal notes in brown ink at top.Book

Primary source

The Spirit of the Laws

Montesquieu · 1748

Title page of a book reading 'LETTRES PERSANES, TOME I', with a central decorative floral ornament, and the imprint 'A COLOGNE, Chez Pierre Marteau, Imprimeur-Libraire, près le Collège des Jésuites' and date 'M. DCC. LIV.'Book

Primary source

Persian Letters

Montesquieu · 1721

De l'esprit des loix (volume III), Amsterdam and Leipzig, 1759Book

Primary source

De l'esprit des loix (volume III), Amsterdam and Leipzig, 1759

Montesquieu · 1759

Title page of a French book: 'Montesquieu. Considérations sur les causes de la grandeur des Romains et de leur décadence', with an introduction and notes by L. Petit de Julleville, huitième édition, published in Paris by Librairie Ch. Delagrave.Book

Primary source

Considerations on the Causes of the Greatness of the Romans and their Decline

Montesquieu · 1734

Title page of the first volume of De l'Esprit des loix, printed in Geneva by Barillot & Fils. Large capitals read DE L'ESPRIT DES LOIX, followed by a subtitle in smaller type, a rule, and TOME PREMIER at the bottom.Document

Primary source

De l'Esprit des loix, Volume 1, Title Page

Montesquieu · 1748-1750

Ready when you are

Start chatting with Baron de Montesquieu now.

20 messages free · No credit card · Available in 50+ languages.

Trial Humy for freeGet a quote for institutions