Finisterra - Revista Portuguesa de Geografia (Jun 2007)
La geographie, ça peut survivre a la guerre. Correspondance entre Jean Gottmann et Orlando Ribeiro
Abstract
GEOGRAPHY CAN SURVIVE THE WAR. CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN JEAN GOTTMANN AND ORLANDO RIBEIRO – This article highlights the interest of the private correspondence exchanged between 1938 and 1973 by two major geographers. It brings back to life several tragic episodes of the history of the 20th Century, as well as the passionate struggle by some scientists to remain active in their field throughout. In particular, there is a wealth of information with regard to the period 1939-43, when World War II broke out and spread, thanks to the numerous letters sent by Jean Gottmann (1915-1994) to Orlando Ribeiro. One after the other, references can be found there to the activity of the renowned Institut de Géographie in Paris, the exodus to Southern France at the time of the German invasion, the flight of the Jews through Portugal and the transatlantic organisation of a Geography aiming to serve the fight against Nazism and, later, the reconstruction of Europe. Jean Gottmann’s fascinating personality emerges clearly from his letters. Several recent publications that have focused on him will certainly contribute to reintroducing the study of his life and work as a most useful source of inspiration for young geographers.
