About this Event
Les Volontaires tells the extraordinary story and “family romance” of a young man who was raised to be Rousseau’s Emile, and of his philosophe adoptive mother and step sister–cum–future wife, through the French Revolution, the Napoleonic Wars, and the early nineteenth century. Part micro-history, part social biography, this book explores ways and possibilities of writing a fragmentary history in a minor key.
The book's author, Thomas Dodman, will talk about his book with Carol Gluck, Mark Mazower, Emmanuelle Saada, and Joanna Stalnaker. This event is part of the New Books in the Arts and Sciences series.
Thomas Dodman is a historian of modern France and its empire, with a broad training in cultural and intellectual history, and interdisciplinary research and teaching interests in psychoanalysis, anthropology, political economy, and social theory. His work ranges widely, but typically explores social transformation in times of war and revolution, and through the study of emotions and medicine in particular. As director of the History and Literature (HiLi) MA at Columbia’s Global Center in Paris, he also probes the porous boundary between these two disciplines and forms of writing.
Event Details & Important Information
This event is free and open to the public, but please note that registration does not guarantee a seat. We intentionally overbook our events, and seating is first come, first served. We recommend arriving early.
Important:
Columbia’s campus is currently open only to Columbia-affiliated guests (with a valid CUID).
If you do not have a Columbia ID, you will need a QR code to enter campus.
To receive a QR code:
- You must register on Eventbrite at least 48 hours in advance
- We will submit your name and email to Public Safety
- You will receive an email from with your unique QR code
Please check your spam/junk folder if you don’t see the email, and bring a valid photo ID with you to present at campus entry points.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Maison Française, 515 West 116th Street, New York, United States
USD 0.00
