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Marcel GranetFrench sinologist
Date of Birth: 29.02.1884
Country:  France |
Content:
- An Eminent Sinologist and Pioneer
- Early Life and Education
- Influence of Émile Durkheim
- Membership in Elite Group
- Introduction to Oriental Studies
- First Sinological Work
- Beijing Experience
- Witness to Chinese Revolution
- Return to France and Academic Career
- Military Service and Doctorate
- Marriage and Family Life
- "La Religion des Chinois"
- Association with Durkheimian Circle
An Eminent Sinologist and Pioneer
Marc Granet was a distinguished French sinologist who revolutionized the study of Chinese history and culture by applying sociological methods.
Early Life and Education
Born into a landed family, Granet received his early education at the prestigious Lycées in Aix-en-Provence and Louis-le-Grand in Paris. In 1904, he entered the École Normale Supérieure, where he studied law, sociology, philosophy, and history.
Influence of Émile Durkheim
At the École Normale, Granet came under the profound influence of Émile Durkheim, a prominent sociologist. Durkheim's ideas and methodology shaped Granet's intellectual development and inspired his use of sociological analysis in his later work.
Membership in Elite Group
Within the École Normale, Granet joined an elite student group that included Marc Bloch, a future co-founder of the Annales School, and other future luminaries of French academia. In 1905, he became a member of a socialist circle led by Durkheim's nephew.
Introduction to Oriental Studies
In 1908, Granet received a grant from the Thiers Foundation to research feudalism. It was during this period that he encountered the sinologist Édouard Chavannes, who advised him to study Chinese language and culture as a necessary foundation for understanding Japan.
First Sinological Work
Granet published his first work in 1911, a political pamphlet entitled "Contre l'alcoolisme, un programme socialiste." That same year, he received a grant from the French government to study Chinese classics in Beijing.
Beijing Experience
In Beijing, Granet conducted groundbreaking research with the guidance of André d'Ormon. In 1912, he published his first significant sinological work, "Coutumes matrimoniales de la Chine antique," in the leading journal "T'oung Pao."
Witness to Chinese Revolution
Granet witnessed the abdication of the imperial family in Beijing in 1912 and became an eyewitness to the unfolding Chinese Revolution.
Return to France and Academic Career
Upon his return to France, Granet taught history in Marseille and Montpellier before succeeding Chavannes as head of the Department of Far Eastern Religions at the École Pratique des Hautes Études in 1913.
Military Service and Doctorate
During World War I, Granet volunteered for the front and was awarded the Croix de Guerre. Despite his military service, he managed to complete two doctoral dissertations.
Marriage and Family Life
In 1919, Granet married Marie Thérian and resumed his academic pursuits. His doctoral dissertation, "Ancient Chinese Festivals and Songs," earned him the prestigious Stanislas Julien Prize.
"La Religion des Chinois"
In 1922, Granet published his seminal work, "La Religion des Chinois." While writing the book, he faced challenges due to his family's frequent relocations and his wife's teaching responsibilities.
Association with Durkheimian Circle
Granet remained active in the society of former Durkheim students, contributing regularly to the journal "Année."
