End of the French Intellectual: From Zola to Houllebecq

Shlomo Sand, an Israeli historian, examines the decline of the French intellectual, focusing on their Judeophobia and Islamophobia. He revisits a history of decline from the Dreyfus Affair to Charlie Hebdo, casting a disabused and mordant gaze on the French intellectual scene.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 10 April 2018
Publisher: Verso Books

Shlomo Sand, an esteemed Israeli historian, has left an indelible mark on the global literary landscape with his groundbreaking works such as "The Invention of the Jewish People" and "The Invention of the Land of Israel." In this captivating exploration, he returns to a subject that has long captivated his interest: the enigmatic figure of the French intellectual. From his formative years in Paris, Sand has encountered the towering figures of French thought, delving deep into the intricate tapestry of the Parisian intellectual world and uncovering its hidden treasures. With a profound understanding of the Parisian intellectual milieu and its intimate secrets, Sand sets out to challenge and dismantle the myths surrounding the esteemed French intellectual tradition. Blending reminiscence with astute analysis, he revisits a history that spans from the Dreyfus Affair to the recent events surrounding Charlie Hebdo, viewing it as a narrative of a gradual decline. As a longstanding admirer of luminaries like Zola, Sartre, and Camus, Sand is astounded by the transformation of the French intellectual landscape. He is particularly struck by the rise of figures like Michel Houellebecq, Eric Zemmour, and Alain Finkielkraut, who embody a disheartening evolution of thought. In his uncompromising work, Sand delves into the depths of Judeophobia and Islamophobia among the elites, offering a scathing critique of the French intellectual scene. His gaze is both dispassionate and caustic, casting a light on the darker corners of French society. Through his profound insights and unwavering dedication, Shlomo Sand has contributed to our understanding of the complex interplay between history, culture, and intellectual discourse, leaving a lasting impact on the world of literature.

Weight: 592g
Dimension: 235 x 160 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781786635082