jacqueline murray wrote:
>
> There has been quite a lot of corrective work done on childhood since
> Aries. ... Frankly, there has been so much
> revisionist work on medieval childhood, it mystifies me why anyone still
> uses Aries, who didn't even focus on the Middle Ages.
Good point. Why is Aries used? Or maybe more importantly, who uses him,
and when. Why does his work seem to turn up incessantly while his
critics seem to vanish without a trace outside of academia? I don't
*know* why, but I'm going to speculate a little, and see what people
think.
First of all Aries is good at reinforcing popular misconceptions and
beliefs. He tells people what they already think they know. He then uses
this basis to build up to other themes or concepts which may be more
contoversial, partly perhaps of his political agenda. People are willing
to accept these in part because they have fewer preconceived opinions on
more complex issues, and in part because Aeries has made them feel good.
"We believe him because he's a good bloke, because he believes what we
do".
Another main factor is that Aries is elegant. His work is presented in
skilful French (and is well translated into English). His books have
good production values (covers, binding, page layout, illustrations and
photos). And presentation influences perception. Style becomes more
important than substance.
The third factor I see is that Aries really isn't targetting an academic
audience. He is after the average or lay reader, understanding that few
people in most societies are really critical thinkers. The trouble is
that most undergraduates fall into that catagory as well. I fight a
constant battle with my students to get them to look critically at
sources, and to get them to evaluate an author's arguements.
And finally, Aries is well marketed. He (and his cohorts) have a real
knack for getting works into bookshops. They target key publishers, and
use their reputation to get work out.
--
Dr. Ronald A. Ross
School of History and Welsh History
University of Wales (Bangor)
Siliwen Road
Bangor, Gwynedd, Wales. LL57 2DG
Telephone 01248-382154
E-mail [log in to unmask]
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