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This is quite an interesting story. It's a shame that it wasn't covered by somebody who could write clearly rather than a sociology professor.
by TimMurnaghan 9y ago
This is quite an interesting story. It's a shame that it wasn't covered by somebody who could write clearly rather than a sociology professor.
- pjc50 9y agoIt purports to be a translation from the French of a hundred years ago, which is necessarily going to be a rather alien style. It's essentially science fiction in the style of Verne.
- randcraw 9y agoYes, this 1870's french is pretty alien. But unlike Verne, it's aliens/alienation are real not fictional. Ignoring the florid preface by the series editor, Tresch's introduction is legible enough, and his translation of Michel seems pretty comprehensible too. Michel's is clearly a period piece, heavily stylized as a political / motivational screed, but fascinating nonetheless. I do wonder if "Every Society..." ever existed or if it's her invention. Clearly Octave Obdurant is at best a nom de guerre/plume. It's a great phrase nonetheless and worthy of both note and remembrance. Nice catch, OP.