Voltaire English letters are discovered by Oxford academic

An Oxford academic who studies the newly discovered letters by Voltaire, indicates that the French poet profited a lot from his short stay in England. These letters indicate that the almost unknown poet was indeed a brilliant social climber who rapidly integrated himself to the aristocracy of the Royal family. He dedicated a poem to the future Queen of England, Caroline who probably offered him £200. He was influenced by English philosophers and scientists and it is obviously present in his books which were then popular among the intellectuals at that time. Voltaire even anglicized his name from Francois to Francis! He was “hugely opportunist” according to Professor Cronk from University of Oxford.

From: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-16620254

 My comment: It is unbelievable that Voltaire could make the best network possible in a short period which affected his life and his career as a poet. The French poet was not so famous when he came to England with a recommendation letter from British ambassador to Paris. In my opinion he could also make his network in Paris so as we see he already had his contacts at British embassy to Paris.