Empire and Underworld

Discover the profound insights of "Empire and Underworld" by Miranda Frances Spieler, published by Harvard University Press in 2012. This compelling hardback spans 296 pages and delves into the intricate dynamics of citizenship and marginality that emerged during the French Revolution. Spieler explores how this pivotal historical moment not only defined the concept of the citizen but also gave rise to the noncitizen—those stripped of their rights and relegated to the fringes of society.

Focusing on the South American outpost of Guiana, the book reveals how this region became a repository for the outcasts of the new French citizenry. It serves as an experimental space for the exercise of novel forms of power and political violence against marginalized groups. "Empire and Underworld" is essential reading for anyone interested in the intersections of history, politics, and social conditions in the context of colonial influence and captivity.