Author
Arthur Gobineau
1816-1882
Arthur Gobineau (1816-1882) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by Arthur Gobineau
The inequality of human races
"The inequality of human races" by comte de Arthur Gobineau is a racialist work published between 1853 and 1855. This French diplomat's essay argues that race determines world events, dividing humanity into three groups—white, yellow, and black—while claiming white races, particularly Nordic and Germanic peoples, represent humanity's pinnacle. Gobineau contends that civilizations decline through racial mixing, creating an influential early example of scientific racism that shaped racial theories across continents, though his ideas were often misunderstood and distorted by later movements.
The Moral and Intellectual Diversity of Races With Particular Reference to Their Respective Influence in the Civil and Political History of Mankind
"The Moral and Intellectual Diversity of Races" by comte de Arthur Gobineau is a scientific publication written in the mid-19th century. This work explores the varying moral and intellectual characteristics of human races, emphasizing their historical impacts on civilization and political structures. Gobineau aims to determine how these distinct traits influence the development of human society. The opening of the work begins with a contextual introduction that sets the stage for a broad exploration of race and ethnic diversity, as well as their implications for history and governance. It discusses how the author's experiences in political diplomacy incited his interest in the differing capacities and characteristics of various races, which he believes contribute significantly to their social and political development. The preface and initial chapters argue against the notion of universal equality among races by highlighting their distinct capabilities and contributions to civilization throughout history. The editor reinforces the importance of this exploration, asserting its relevance to contemporary issues of race and nationhood.
La fleur d'or
"La Fleur d'Or" by Arthur de Gobineau is a historical narrative likely written in the early 20th century. The work delves into significant episodes in history, focusing initially on the figure of Girolamo Savonarola and his influence during the Renaissance period, exploring themes of morality, power, and the intricacies of societal change. The opening of the book presents a vivid portrayal of the complex interplay between humanity and the natural world, drawing analogies between the historical transformations of societies and the idea of creation and destruction mirrored in nature. It begins with reflections on the perception of the sea as both a sterile barrier and a source of life, leading to deeper explorations of historical epochs, culminating in the character of Savonarola, who fervently sought to reform Italy through a return to moral and spiritual values. This rich tapestry of ideas sets the stage for a more profound examination of the Renaissance's cultural and political dynamics, as Gobineau introduces these central themes and characters that will define the narrative's trajectory.
Nouvelles Asiatiques
"Nouvelles Asiatiques" by comte de Arthur Gobineau is a collection of short stories published in 1876. Drawing from his years as a French diplomat in Persia, Gobineau crafted six tales set across the Middle East and Central Asia. Unlike conventional novels, he chose the short story format to capture multiple perspectives of Persian society—each narrative offering a different facet of Oriental life. The stories transport readers through Persia, Afghanistan, the Caucasus, and Turkey, revealing diverse characters and customs.
Kaukaasialainen tanssijatar
"Kaukaasialainen tanssijatar" by J. A. de Gobineau is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story introduces the character Don Juan Moreno y Rodil, a Spanish lieutenant who finds himself in the Kaukasian region after fleeing a failed military conspiracy in Spain. The narrative seems to explore themes of love, conflict, and cultural dynamics in a foreign landscape, suggesting a rich tapestry of human emotion against the backdrop of political and social strife. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to Don Juan Moreno as he flees his past and arrives in Poti, a notable port city in the Caucasus. Moreno's serious demeanor is emphasized by his recent heartache, as he left a beloved behind. Upon disembarking, he encounters various characters, including the friendly Assanoff, an engineer of Tatar descent, who offers hospitality. The narrative sets the stage for the larger story that will intertwine Moreno’s life with themes of romance and potential conflicts involving dance and the fate of a celebrated courtesan, Umm Djehan, leading to a complex exploration of identity and desire in a culturally rich setting.