Alain Corbin is a French historian known for his work on the history of everyday life and sensory history. He has written numerous books on the subject, delving into the social and cultural history of 19th-century France and exploring topics such as sound, smell, and the experience of urban spaces.
Alain Corbin Books in Order
- Historia del silencio. Del Renacimiento a nuestros días
- The Foul and the Fragrant: Odor and the French Social Imagination
- The Village of Cannibals: Rage and Murder in France, 1870
- Histoire du corps. Volume 1 : De la Renaissance aux Lumières
- The Lure of the Sea: The Discovery of the Seaside in the Western World, 1750-1840
- Histoire du corps. De la Révolution à la Grande Guerre. Volume 2
- The Life of an Unknown
- Histoire du corps. Les mutations du regard, le XXe siècle. Volume 3
- Women for Hire: Prostitution and Sexuality in France after 1850
- Histoire de la virilité : Tome 1
Overview of Alain Corbin Books in Order
Historia del silencio. Del Renacimiento a nuestros días
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The Foul and the Fragrant: Odor and the French Social Imagination
“The Foul and the Fragrant: Odor and the French Social Imagination” by Alain Corbin explores the historical and cultural significance of odors in France. The book delves into the ways in which different social classes and individuals throughout history have perceived, experienced, and judged smells and fragrances. Corbin analyzes how odors were used to discern social hierarchies and shape French society, and how certain scents were linked to power dynamics and social control. Furthermore, the book examines the influence of scientific and medical understanding of smell, as well as how it impacted cultural attitudes towards odor.
Corbin presents a comprehensive analysis of the role of odor in the French social imagination, discussing the sensory experiences of different groups and how these experiences were influenced by broader cultural and societal factors. He explores the intersections of smell with concepts of hygiene, cleanliness, and disease, as well as the ways in which scents were employed in religious and ritualistic contexts. Moreover, the book explores the shift in attitudes towards fragrance and the olfactory experience during the industrial revolution, as well as how these changes shaped the emergence of modern urban life.
Overall, “The Foul and the Fragrant” offers a multidisciplinary approach to the study of odor, incorporating historical, anthropological, and cultural perspectives. Through a thorough examination of olfactory perceptions and practices in French society, Corbin provides valuable insights into the complexities of sensory experiences and their significance in shaping social norms and values.
The Village of Cannibals: Rage and Murder in France, 1870
“The Village of Cannibals: Rage and Murder in France, 1870” by Alain Corbin is a historical analysis of a shocking and gruesome murder that took place in the small village of Hautefaye in France in 1870. The book explores the social and political context of the time, delving into the tensions and divisions that erupted into violence, resulting in the brutal killing and mutilation of a young man.
Corbin paints a vivid picture of the village, its inhabitants, and the events leading up to the murder, shedding light on the underlying causes of the crime. He examines the role of religion, superstition, and social class in shaping the attitudes and actions of the villagers, ultimately leading to the horrific acts of violence that occurred.
Through meticulous research and insightful analysis, Corbin offers a compelling narrative of this tragic event, highlighting the complexities of human behavior and the destructive power of rage and prejudice. “The Village of Cannibals” provides a thought-provoking exploration of the darker aspects of human nature and the consequences of social and political turmoil, making it a compelling read for those interested in history, sociology, and psychology.
Histoire du corps. Volume 1 : De la Renaissance aux Lumières
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The Lure of the Sea: The Discovery of the Seaside in the Western World, 1750-1840
“The Lure of the Sea: The Discovery of the Seaside in the Western World, 1750-1840” by Alain Corbin explores the cultural and historical significance of the seaside in the Western world during the 18th and 19th centuries. Corbin examines the shift in perception of the sea from a source of danger and mystery to a popular and desirable destination for leisure and relaxation. He delves into the social, economic, and technological changes that contributed to the growing popularity of seaside resorts and the emergence of a new beach culture.
The book highlights the impact of the Enlightenment, Romanticism, and industrialization on the transformation of coastal areas into sought-after tourist destinations. Corbin discusses the development of seaside architecture, the rise of beach activities such as sea bathing, and the depiction of the seaside in literature and art. Through an interdisciplinary approach, the author provides a comprehensive analysis of the allure of the sea and its influence on Western societies during this period.
“The Lure of the Sea” offers valuable insights into the history of tourism, the sociology of leisure, and the evolution of cultural attitudes towards the natural environment. Corbin’s engaging and informative narrative sheds light on the complex interplay between human perception, technological advancements, and societal changes that reshaped the Western world’s relationship with the sea.
Histoire du corps. De la Révolution à la Grande Guerre. Volume 2
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The Life of an Unknown
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Histoire du corps. Les mutations du regard, le XXe siècle. Volume 3
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Women for Hire: Prostitution and Sexuality in France after 1850
The book “Women for Hire: Prostitution and Sexuality in France after 1850” by Alain Corbin explores the history of prostitution and its relationship to sexuality in France during the late 19th century. Focusing on the period after 1850, Corbin examines the social, economic, and political factors that contributed to the rise of prostitution and its impact on French society. The book delves into the experiences of women involved in prostitution, as well as the attitudes and regulations towards the industry at the time.
Corbin’s comprehensive study sheds light on the complexities of prostitution and sexuality in France during this period, offering a nuanced understanding of how these issues intersected with class, gender, and power dynamics. Through historical analysis and cultural insights, the book provides a rich exploration of the lives of women involved in prostitution, as well as the broader societal attitudes and perceptions towards this aspect of sexuality. Corbin also discusses the role of the state and law enforcement in managing prostitution and the various reform efforts that emerged in response to the perceived social and moral implications of the industry.
Overall, “Women for Hire: Prostitution and Sexuality in France after 1850” offers a thought-provoking examination of a complex and controversial topic, providing valuable historical insights and shedding light on the broader social and cultural dynamics at play in 19th century France. The book contributes to a deeper understanding of the intersections between gender, sexuality, and power, and invites readers to consider the ongoing relevance of these issues in contemporary society.
Histoire de la virilité : Tome 1
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Who is Alain Corbin
Alain Corbin, a renowned French historian, is an expert on 19th century France. He was educated at the Annales School and has shifted his focus from examining large-scale collective structures studied by Fernand Braudel to a history of sensibilities that aligns with Lucien Febvre’s history of mentalités. Throughout his career, Corbin has delved into various subjects such as male desire and prostitution, the sensory experience of smell and sound, as well as the tragic event of a young nobleman being burned in a Dordogne village in 1870.
In conclusion, Alain Corbin’s extensive body of work offers a comprehensive exploration of history, culture, and society through the lens of sensory and emotional experiences. His meticulous research and nuanced analysis challenge conventional historical narratives and provide valuable insights into the construction of identity, social inequalities, and the power dynamics at play in the shaping of human experiences. Through his innovative approach, Corbin invites readers to reconsider their understanding of the past and grapple with the complex interplay of ideology and lived realities in different historical contexts. Ultimately, his books serve as a reminder of the intricate and often overlooked influences of sensory and emotional realms in shaping individual and collective consciousness.
FAQs about author Alain Corbin
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