An Essay on the Inequality of the Human Races

This edition presents Arthur de Gobineau’s classic nineteenth century study of historical development in a newly edited and carefully formatted volume. The text has been restored from public domain sources and prepared with modern readability in mind. A new introduction and contextual notes help situate the work in its historical and intellectual background, while preserving the author’s original structure and arguments.

Gobineau’s essay is a significant document of nineteenth century intellectual history. It reflects the era’s attempts to build grand theories of civilization, cultural change, and human development long before the emergence of modern anthropology or genetics. This edition provides readers with a clean, reliable text together with editorial material that clarifies the context in which the work was produced and received.

Included in this edition:

• Clean, modern typesetting
• Introduction by the editor
• Brief biography of Arthur de Gobineau
• Historical edition notice
• Enhanced formatting and corrected errors from earlier scans

This volume is intended for readers of classic social thought, history of ideas, nineteenth century philosophy, and intellectual history.