What do you think?
Rate this book
On Divorce
On Divorce is an anti-divorce treatise by Louis de Bonald, originally published in 1801 in response to the institution of divorce in France in the aftermath of the French Revolution. Examining the social structures of Christians, Jews, Asians, Greeks, and Romans, On Divorce links a theory of the family to a theory of politics and argues the family is a basic component of a stable society. As a politician, Bonald gave a crucial anti-divorce speech in the French legislature that summarized the argument of On Divorce. Due largely to Bonald's efforts, France abolished divorce in 1816.
According to Bonald, human society is composed of three interactive societies: religious society, domestic society (the family), and public society (the state). These societies operate on common principles and can only be analyzed in relation to one another. Since, in this view, the family, not the individual, is the basic unit of society, divorce represents a fundamental assault on the social order.
Bonald was one of the three principal founders of conservatism, along with Edmund Burke and Joseph de Maistre. Bonald's influence has been felt across the political spectrum and in areas as diverse as political theory, sociology, and literature. Of great interest to students of political philosophy, this work will be of equal value to those concerned with divorce and other social questions.
According to Bonald, human society is composed of three interactive societies: religious society, domestic society (the family), and public society (the state). These societies operate on common principles and can only be analyzed in relation to one another. Since, in this view, the family, not the individual, is the basic unit of society, divorce represents a fundamental assault on the social order.
Bonald was one of the three principal founders of conservatism, along with Edmund Burke and Joseph de Maistre. Bonald's influence has been felt across the political spectrum and in areas as diverse as political theory, sociology, and literature. Of great interest to students of political philosophy, this work will be of equal value to those concerned with divorce and other social questions.
- GenresPhilosophyPolitics
120 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1991
About the author
Louis de Bonald
246 books19 followersLouis-Gabriel-Ambroise, vicomte de Bonald était un homme politique, philosophe et essayiste français, grand adversaire de la Révolution française.
Louis Gabriel Ambroise, Vicomte de Bonald was a French counter-revolutionary philosopher and politician.
Louis Gabriel Ambroise, Vicomte de Bonald was a French counter-revolutionary philosopher and politician.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
December 16, 2024
Simply exquisite in his defense of the indissolubility of Marriage, Bonald gives us 4 clear (secular) reasons why Divorce cannot be legal in the State of France. Though his audience is particular it is possessive of a universal reality. Marriage is absolutely and totally invaluable to human society.
I use this book often as a reference for classes and I believe Bonald to be one of the most important political philosophers in the modern era, far surpassing the likes of JBP or any other pop "Conservative" influencer.
If you find the subject of Marriage interesting, this is for you.
If you find the study of law and legal application interesting, this is for you.
If you wish to simply grow in knowledge and desire to challenge your own beliefs, then this is for you.
It does not matter what your politics are, Bonald is a craftsman and his work is simply excellent. It is worth reading no matter what your personal opinion is.
I use this book often as a reference for classes and I believe Bonald to be one of the most important political philosophers in the modern era, far surpassing the likes of JBP or any other pop "Conservative" influencer.
If you find the subject of Marriage interesting, this is for you.
If you find the study of law and legal application interesting, this is for you.
If you wish to simply grow in knowledge and desire to challenge your own beliefs, then this is for you.
It does not matter what your politics are, Bonald is a craftsman and his work is simply excellent. It is worth reading no matter what your personal opinion is.
March 4, 2026
convoluted and contradictory imo
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews