A Geographical Introduction to History

by Lucien Febvre

Originally published between 1920-70,The History of Civilization was a landmark in early twentieth century publishing. It was published at a formative time within the social sciences, and during a period of decisive historical discovery. The aim of the general editor, C.K. Ogden, was to summarize the most up to date findings and theories of historians, anthropologists, archaeologists and sociologists. This reprinted material is available as a set or in the following groupings:
* Prehistory and Historical Ethnography
Set of 12: 0-415-15611-4: £800.00
* Greek Civilization
Set of 7: 0-415-15612-2: £450.00
* Roman Civilization
Set of 6: 0-415-15613-0: £400.00
* Eastern Civilizations
Set of 10: 0-415-15614-9: £650.00
* Judaeo-Christian Civilization
Set of 4: 0-415-15615-7: £250.00
* European Civilization
Set of 11: 0-415-15616-5: £700.00

Genres: History, Geography

416 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1922

About the author

Lucien Paul Victor Febvre was a French historian best known for the role he played in establishing the Annales School of history.

Reviews

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.