Georges Bataille: the story on HearLore

The College Of Sociology

After graduation Bataille moved to Madrid to study Spanish literature at the School of Advanced Studies. There he befriended Russian existentialist Lev Shestov who profoundly influenced his thinking. Shestov introduced him to Nietzsche, Dostoevsky, Plato and critiques of rational philosophical systems. Back in Paris he worked at the Bibliothèque Nationale handling medallion collections while publishing scholarly articles on numismatics. Despite this archival work he became known as founder of several literary groups including the extremely influential College of Sociology. The group included renegade surrealists like Roger Caillois and Pierre Klossowski. In 1937 Bataille founded Acéphale, a secret society symbolized by a headless man. Members agreed they would never execute anyone but might become sacrificial victims themselves. An indemnity was offered for an executioner yet none appeared before the group dissolved shortly before World War II. Walter Benjamin later described their fascination with sacrifice as pre-fascist aestheticism. Bataille published an eponymous review of Nietzsche's philosophy attempting what Jacques Derrida called anti-sovereignty. Collaborators included André Masson, Jules Monnerot and Jean Wahl. These projects explored themes that would later define his philosophical approach.

When and where was Georges Bataille born?

Georges Bataille was born on the 10th of September 1897 in Billom, a small town in the Auvergne region. His family moved to Reims in 1898 where he received his early education.

What religious experiences did Georges Bataille have during his youth?

Georges Bataille converted to Catholicism in 1914 at age seventeen and considered becoming a priest for approximately nine years. He eventually renounced Christianity in the early 1920s after briefly attending a Catholic seminary.

Which major philosophical work did Georges Bataille publish in 1949?

Georges Bataille published The Accursed Share in 1949 by Éditions de la Pléiade. This book introduced general economy theory distinct from restricted economic perspectives and translated into English in 1991 under Robert Hurley's translation.

Who were the key collaborators associated with Georges Bataille's literary groups?

Key collaborators included Roger Caillois, Pierre Klossowski, André Masson, Jules Monnerot, and Jean Wahl within groups like the College of Sociology and Acéphale. These figures helped define themes that later shaped his philosophical approach.

When did Georges Bataille die and what was his final diagnosis?

Georges Bataille died on the 8th of July 1962 following a diagnosis of cerebral arteriosclerosis received in 1955. He continued working despite declining health to produce major texts including Inner Experience and Guilty during World War II period.

Georges Bataille.

The College Of Sociology

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Common questions

When and where was Georges Bataille born?

What religious experiences did Georges Bataille have during his youth?

Which major philosophical work did Georges Bataille publish in 1949?

Who were the key collaborators associated with Georges Bataille's literary groups?

When did Georges Bataille die and what was his final diagnosis?

Base Materialism Framework

Marriages And Final Years

Georges Bataille.

The College Of Sociology

Continue Browsing

Common questions

When and where was Georges Bataille born?

What religious experiences did Georges Bataille have during his youth?

Which major philosophical work did Georges Bataille publish in 1949?

Who were the key collaborators associated with Georges Bataille's literary groups?

When did Georges Bataille die and what was his final diagnosis?

The Accursed Share Theory

Base Materialism Framework

Marriages And Final Years