British Academy Events - Alexander von Humboldt and America

Two events to mark the 150th anniversary of Humboldt’s death, 27 November 2009

The British Academy, 10 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1

Convenors: Professor Marina Warner CBE, FBA, University of Essex, and Professor Peter Hulme, University of Essex

One-day Conference

9.30am - 5.30pm

The 150th anniversary of Humboldt’s death falls this year and this conference will celebrate and interrogate his achievements. The German natural scientist, humanist, and travel writer Alexander von Humboldt (1769–1859) is a familiar name, but his work and thought have been under-explored. They illuminate many contemporary issues, not least the very idea of America.

Among the questions the conference will address are: Just how important was Humboldt for perceptions of America in the nineteenth century and indeed subsequently? With changing history, what does his perspective on Latino/Hispanic history contribute, notably to understandings of Cuba, Mexico and the Andean region? His work also poses deep questions about literary genre: with time his scientific writings are taking on qualities found in poetry or memoir writing. Is the pursuit of knowledge destined to turn into lasting works of imagination? While anthropologists,historians and natural scientists have long valued Humboldt’s data collections, his narrative talents, which allowed him to weave together scientific details with philosophical, literary-aesthetic, social and political insights, have only recently attracted the attention of literary scholars. How adequate are the translations through which English-speaking readers approach his work (originally written in French and German)? How significant was Humboldt as a travel writer? To what extent does his scientific work still have validity and usefulness today?

Registration

Registration is required for this event. Please visit our website for a copy of the programme and to register. Please note that lunch will not be provided, but time will be allowed for attendees to obtain lunch in the surrounding area.

* * * Evening Panel Discussion:

Broadening the Mind: Travellers in Latin America

7.00pm - 8.30pm Chair: Professor Marina Warner, CBE, FBA

After the break-up of the Spanish Empire, Latin America opened its doors to travellers from European countries other than Spain, and many followed in Humboldt’s wake – not least Charles Darwin. Ever since Latin America has attracted European travellers and travel writers. But what exactly do they find there and are their minds broadened by the experience? The evening discussion focuses on four such travellers: from the workshop participants Ottmar Ette will speak about Humboldt and Nigel Leask about Darwin; then two contemporary travel writers (Richard Gott and Richard Fleming) will speak about their experiences travelling in and writing about parts of Latin America.

Speakers

Professor Ottmar Ette (University of Potsdam), principal editor of Humboldt’s work in Germany; Professor Nigel Leask (University of Glasgow), author of Curiosity and the Aesthetics of Travel Writing, 1770–1840: ‘From an Antique Land’; Richard Gott, writer and journalist, author of Land Without Evil: Utopian Journeys Across the South American Watershed; Richard Fleming, writer and journalist, author of Walking to Guantánamo.

Attendance

Registration is not required for this panel discussion (conference registrants will be asked to indicate if they wish to attend). Seats will be allocated on arrival.