Lefebvre, Henri (1901–1991)

Most well known to geographers today on account of his elaboration of the spatial character of contemporary capitalism, Henri Lefebvre also has an honored place in what is called cultural studies due to the interdisciplinary nature of his writings. Born in Hagetmau in the Pyrenees, Lefebvre became a professor of both philosophy and sociology and ultimately a prominent French intellectual whose life spanned almost the entirety of the 20th century (1901–1991). The expansive character of his life parallels his prolific output as the author of more than 60 books, many of which still await translation from French into English. Although the breadth of topics covered in his works is staggering, two of this self-proclaimed Marxist philosopher's most enduring themes center on everyday life and the ...