The Great Cat Massacre
| Industry | Publishing |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Books |
The Great Cat Massacre and Other Episodes in French Cultural History is a pivotal anthology of essays focusing on the cultural history of early modern France, authored by American historian Robert Darnton and initially released in 1984. The collection's title is drawn from its most prominent essay, which investigates a peculiar account detailing the "massacre" of cats by apprentice printers on Rue Saint-Séverin in Paris during the late 1730s. Additional essays delve into topics such as fairy tales, the Encyclopédie, and various elements of French history from the early modern era.
Methodology
Drawing inspiration from Clifford Geertz and his concept of "thick description" within cultural anthropology, Darnton aimed to gain a nuanced understanding of the era by scrutinizing behaviors that might initially seem unfamiliar—like the humor found in killing cats.
This book stands as one of Darnton's most acclaimed publications and has been translated into eighteen different languages.
Darnton explains that apprentices, subjected to severe working conditions, harbored resentment toward the special treatment their masters extended to their cats, ultimately orchestrating the animals' killing as a form of protest. The printer’s wife showed favoritism towards the cats by feeding them well, while apprentices endured poor nourishment and mistreatment. Following several nights during which an apprentice imitated a cat’s cries, the printer commanded all cats to be gathered and slaughtered. Subsequently, the apprentices conducted a mock trial, accusing the cats of witchcraft and carrying out their execution by hanging. Darnton interprets this event as an early manifestation of labor protest. He concludes:
Darnton’s interpretative method has attracted criticism for potentially oversimplifying complex events. A notable debate with French historian Roger Chartier was sharply criticized by Dominic LaCapra for excessive symbolism. Additionally, Harold Mah contended that Darnton selectively omitted parts of the source material to craft a more compelling story.
See also
- List of common misconceptions about the Middle Ages
- The Cheese and the Worms (1976), authored by Carlo Ginzburg
- "Culture of popular laughter", a term relevant to early modern cultural history
Further reading
External links
- The Great Cat Massacre featured in History Today
- Full text hosted by University of Virginia