Andrew S. Curran

William Armstrong Professor of the Humanities at Wesleyan University and author of Biography of a Dangerous Idea, a history of race from Louis XIV to Thomas Jefferson, specializing in Enlightenment intellectual history and biography.

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Jan 2, 2026 • 1h 17min

Andrew S. Curran, "Biography of a Dangerous Idea: A New History of Race from Louis XIV to Thomas Jefferson" (Other Press, 2026)

Andrew S. Curran, a renowned Enlightenment scholar and author, unveils how 13 influential figures shaped the idea of race through history. He discusses Louis XIV's impact on racial classifications and the explosive growth of slavery in French colonies. Curran contrasts Linnaeus's rigid taxonomy with Buffon's adaptable natural history while exploring Voltaire's arguments for human diversity. The conversation also delves into Jefferson's complex relationship with racial theories, revealing the contradictions of Enlightenment ideals and their relevance today.

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