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Fourier: 'The Theory of the Four Movements'

Fourier: 'The Theory of the Four Movements'

Fourier: 'The Theory of the Four Movements'

Charles Fourier
Gareth Stedman Jones, University of Cambridge
Ian Patterson
February 1996
Replaced By 9780521356930
Hardback
9780521356145

    This remarkable book, written soon after the French Revolution, has traditionally been considered one of the founding documents in the history of socialism. It introduces the best-known and most extraordinary utopia written in the last two centuries. Charles Fourier was among the first to formulate a right to a minimum standard of life. His radical approach involved a systematic critique of work, marriage and patriarchy, together with a parallel right to a sexual minimum. He also proposed a comprehensive alternative to the Christian religion. Finally, through the medium of a bizarre and extraordinary cosmology, Fourier argued that the poor state of the planet is the result of the evil practices of civilisation. Translated into English, this classic text will be of particular interest to students and scholars of the history of sexuality and feminism, political thought and socialism.

    • First English translation of the complete text
    • Interdisciplinary interest; history of sexuality and feminism, as well as history of political thought

    Product details

    February 1996
    Paperback
    9780521356930
    366 pages
    224 × 144 × 23 mm
    0.52kg
    Available

    Table of Contents

    • Introduction
    • Principal events in Fourier's life
    • Brief note on further reading (in English)
    • Translator's introduction
    • Theory of the four movements and of the general destinies
    • 1808 Introduction
    • First part
    • Second part
    • Third part
    • Omitted chapter
    • Note A
    • Advice to the civilised
    • 1818 Introduction.
    • Charles Fourier
    • Editors
    • Gareth Stedman Jones , University of Cambridge
    • Ian Patterson