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A geographical introduction to history
English, French (translation)
388 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1922
3 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
About the author
Lucien Febvre
71 books38 followersLucien Paul Victor Febvre was a French historian best known for the role he played in establishing the Annales School of history.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
September 22, 2021
Lucien Febvre's work explores the relationship between humans and their environment, and the extent to which human society and character are determined by that environment. Febvre rails against the geographic determinism of Friedrich Ratzel and Ellen Semple, whose works are associated with imperialism and racist ideology. Ratzel coined the term "lebensraum" which was used so chillingly by the Nazis, and Semple argued that only the northern hemisphere temperate zone resulted in the most advanced societies.
As an alternative to Ratzel and Semple, Febvre posits that the environment has a second-order effect on humans i.e. the environment (particularly climate) affects the animal and vegetable resources available, which subsequently influences human society. Febvre then argues that the environmental influence is not deterministic, but only creates possibilities for human endeavour and innovation. By the use of possibilities, Febvre explains the varying outcomes of societies in similar environments.
Febvre's work is challenging to read in this English translation, as the language is formal and somewhat old-fashioned. Nevertheless, the reader will be rewarded for persevering with a closely and elegantly argued work.
As an alternative to Ratzel and Semple, Febvre posits that the environment has a second-order effect on humans i.e. the environment (particularly climate) affects the animal and vegetable resources available, which subsequently influences human society. Febvre then argues that the environmental influence is not deterministic, but only creates possibilities for human endeavour and innovation. By the use of possibilities, Febvre explains the varying outcomes of societies in similar environments.
Febvre's work is challenging to read in this English translation, as the language is formal and somewhat old-fashioned. Nevertheless, the reader will be rewarded for persevering with a closely and elegantly argued work.
Displaying 1 of 1 review