The Rise and Fall of the Caucasian Race: A Political History of Racial Identity

ISBN-13: 9780814798935 / Angielski / Miękka / 2008 / 352 str.

Bruce Baum

Opis

The term -Caucasian- is a curious invention of the modern age. Originating in 1795, the word identifies both the peoples of the Caucasus Mountains region as well as those thought to be -Caucasian-. Bruce Baum explores the history of the term and the category of the -Caucasian race- more broadly in the light of the changing politics of racial theory and notions of racial identity. With a comprehensive sweep that encompasses the understanding of -race- even before the use of the term -Caucasian, - Baum traces the major trends in scientific and intellectual understandings of -race- from the Middle Ages to the present day. Baum's conclusions make an unprecedented attempt to separate modern science and politics from a long history of racial classification. He offers significant insights into our understanding of race and how the -Caucasian race- has been authoritatively invented, embraced, displaced, and recovered throughout our history.