Pseudo & C°. Marc Bloch et les modes de l'absence (1941-1944) | ENS-PSL

Anne Simonin’s presentation offers a sophisticated and well-researched analysis of Marc Bloch’s situation during the Occupation, moving beyond simplistic narratives of collaboration or resistance. She effectively critiques the concept of ‘accommodation’ as a moralizing label, drawing on Sartre’s origins and its juridical underpinnings, and proposes alternative frameworks from Souriau’s philosophy—’trajectory’ and ‘intensity’—to capture the fluid and multi-faceted identities of intellectuals under Vichy. The argument is grounded in archival evidence, including correspondence and journal issues, and engages with existing scholarship (e.g., Peter Schöttler, Natalie Zemon Davis, Philippe Burrin). Simonin’s analysis of Febvre’s strategic maneuvers, such as renaming the journal and placing it under the Encyclopédie française, demonstrates a keen understanding of the institutional and legal constraints of the period. She also highlights the often-overlooked material aspects, like subscription logistics and censorship procedures, which add depth to the historical picture. The presentation is balanced, acknowledging both Febvre’s responsibility and his assumption of it, and Bloch’s acceptance of his removal. The use of Souriau’s concepts is insightful, though one might wish for a more explicit connection to Bloch’s own writings. The talk is dense and assumes prior knowledge of the Annales school and Vichy censorship, but it offers a valuable contribution to the historiography of intellectual life under occupation. The title accurately reflects the content, and the speaker’s expertise is evident throughout. Overall, this is a rigorous and thought-provoking lecture that enriches our understanding of a complex historical moment.

The title accurately reflects the content, focusing on Marc Bloch's modes of absence during 1941-1944.

8/10

The speaker is a recognized historian, the content is based on archival sources and scholarly debates, and the presentation is nuanced and well-argued.

Markers derived by PSI from the transcript: the creator did not define chapters.

• 00:00Introduction by the session chair, presenting Anne Simonin and her topic on Marc Bloch.
• 01:00Simonin begins her talk, referencing the controversy over Bloch's name disappearing from the Annales.
• 03:00Discussion of the concept of 'accommodation' and its moral implications, citing Sartre and Talleyrand.
• 05:00Introduction of Étienne Souriau's 'modes of existence' and the notions of 'trajectory' and 'intensity'.
• 08:00Analysis of the journal's editorial changes, including Febvre becoming 'director responsible' and the disappearance of Bloch and other Jewish members.
• 10:00Explanation of the censorship system and the role of the commission including Marguerite Duras and Dionys Mascolo.
• 12:00Febvre's strategy to evade censorship by creating 'Mélanges d'histoire sociale' under the Encyclopédie française.
• 15:00Discussion of Bloch's article on Anatole de Monzie and his refusal to submit it to the Annales.
• 18:00Examination of the correspondence between Bloch and Febvre, showing their collaborative yet tense relationship.
• 21:00Conclusion summarizing the modes of absence and presence of Bloch during the Occupation.

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• Marc Bloch - Wikipedia — General biographical information on Marc Bloch.
• Annales School - Wikipedia — Overview of the Annales school and its history.

• Philippe Burrin - La France à l'heure allemande — Burrin's concept of 'accommodation' is critiqued by Simonin as moralizing and insufficient.