Review of 'The Corrupting Sea: A Study of Mediterranean History' by Peregrine Horden and Nicholas Purcell

Extract

[...] One of the conclusions of Horden and Purcell is that the Mediterranean presents unique climatic and ecological characteristics. This argument, according to the NELGE article, should be taken with reserve, because in a crucial aspect of historical research is to focus on the similarities and differences between several connected territories. It is not necessary to isolate the analyses, because the important thing is in the links between the regions and not the regions taken separately. A criticism that can be made to Purcell and Horden is their lack of conclusion and their very optimistic view of the history of the Mediterranean, since, for example, wars are hardly mentioned. [...]

[...] A Study of Mediterranean History. In general, the article by Alexis d'Hautecourt is an apology for the work of Horden and Purcell, while the article by Anthony Molho, although recognizing the great quality of their work, is much more critical. Both articles begin by placing the work of Horden and Purcell in continuity, but also in rupture with the writings of Braudel. They also present the methodology used by the authors in their study of the Mediterranean and the authors' stated desire to avoid falling into clichés. [...]

[...] Chapter 4 studies the different theses of life within the Mediterranean and the religions. Finally, chapter five evokes the notion of long duration. Both articles also highlight the incredible bibliography present in the work of Horden and Purcell. One of the objectives of the book by Horden and Purcell is to demonstrate that evidence of the unity of the Mediterranean, in the geographical sense, but also cultural, exists before the 16th century.e century. Finally, they managed to cover more than three millennia of history. [...]