Raniero Paolucci di Calboli e l’affaire Dreyfus

Abstract

The Dreyfus affaire is emblematic of the double-edged dimension of law: first weapon to hit the common enemy Dreyfus, then defensive tool wielded by intellectuals engaged – with Zola in the front row – to seek justice and the triumph of truth. Raniero Paulucci di Calboli, working in Paris in that period, became well aware of the importance of this affaire. This study investigates the trials through his diary, written in 1898 and his personal papers conserved from 1897 (and now hold in the library “A. Saffi” in Forlì). It also shows the role played by lawyers, intellectuals and press, and the influence of public opinion, in this complex story which keeps causing controversy.

Keywords

• prejudice
• anti-Semitism
• political trial
• intellectuals
• civic passion
• pregiudizio
• antisemitismo
• processo politico
• intellettuali
• passione civile