One of the last major works of the French philosopher Voltaire, satirizing both Jewish and Christian scripture. His title is ironic as he does not seek to "explain" the Bible so much as he portrays it as absurd and contradictory. "S. M. L. R. D. P." stands for "Sa Majeste le Roi de Pologne" or "de Prusse". Despite the publication city given as London it is more likely to have been Geneva. French text.