-The History of the Sevarambians

This work is a later English translation of the three parts first published in French. This is significant as the second part of the novel was dramatically different when first translated into English, containing magic, talismans, mythical creatures, anti-Catholic references, and a different founding myth. In the original version, Vairasse imagines Sevarambia as a kingdom in Australia founded by a Persian traveler in 1427 who was fleeing persecution of his Zoroastrianism by Muslim rulers. Sevarambia features mountains at its borders, a large river flowing through plains, and an inland sea containing islands. The Sevarambian religion, based on sun-worship, is an important aspect of the utopia with complex ceremonies and rituals. The kingdom is socialistic, with no private property, public education, and both men and women working as well as serving in the military. This work was popular at the time of its publication, being read and commented on by philosophers including Leibniz, Montesquieu, Rousseau, and Kant.