 He achieved literary success with the publication of his 1721 "Persian Letters", a satire representing society as seen through the eyes of two imaginary Persian visitors to Paris and Europe, cleverly criticizing the absurdities of contemporary French society.Montesquieu embarked on a grand tour of Europe, especially Italy and England, during which he kept a journal.His reflections on geography, laws and customs during his travels became the primary sources for his major works on political philosophy upon his return to France.