Marc Bloch, Sociology and Geography
Encountering Changing Disciplines

The first detailed examination of the relationship of the work of Marc Bloch to both Durkheimian sociology and to Vidalian geography.

Susan W. Friedman (Author)

9780521561570, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 28 June 1996

276 pages, 4 tables
23.6 x 15.8 x 2.1 cm, 0.523 kg

"Apart from being a meticulous investigation of the scholarly development of Bloch's ideas, the book also provides insights into the influential groups of scholars, the Annales school, as well as French intellectual life in general. Friedman's treatment of the profound importance of the University of Strassbourg in terms of French patriotism as well as scholarship is another bonus. Well indexed and referenced; footnotes transcend mere citations and should be read carefully for their illuminating forays into ideas rendered in the text." Choice

Marc Bloch has been very influential in the development of both history and social science. Comparative historians, historical geographers, and historical sociologists have all pointed to his work as a model. This book is the first detailed examination of the relationship of his work to both Durkheimian sociology and Vidalian geography. Through a careful examination of the debates in which he was involved and the institutional circumstances in which he worked, it places Bloch's work within its intellectual context, and assesses the nature of his contribution. Professor Friedman argues that, despite the frequent claims of scholars in history, sociology and geography, Bloch did not adopt either the Durkheimian or Vidalian approach. Both disciplines were central to his intellectual development, but Bloch's relationships to the two disciplines were interdependent, and the result was his own highly acclaimed and unique approach.

List of tables
Acknowledgments
A note on translation
List of abbreviations
Introduction
1. Marc Bloch and the 'Université'
Part I. Sociology, Geography and History during Marc Bloch's Years of Apprenticeship: 2. Marc Bloch's training as a normalien
3. History under attack
4. The quest for identity in Vidalian geography
5. From the Fondation Thiers to the doctorate: Marc Bloch's emerging perspective
Part II. Marc Bloch as a Critic and Practitioner of Sociology and Geography: 6. The University of Strasbourg as a center of disciplinary change
7. Kings, serfs and the sociological method
8. Reflections on the geographical approach and on the agrarian regime
9. An expanding view: Marc Bloch's later projects
10. Towards a reworking of the historiography of Marc Bloch
Notes
Index of names
Subject index.

Subject Areas: Historical geography [HBTP]