Rise and Fall of the Caucasian Race

The term "e;Caucasian"e; is a curious invention of the modern age. Originating in 1795, the word identifies both the peoples of the Caucasus Mountains region as well as those thought to be "e;Caucasian"e;. Bruce Baum explores the history of the term and the category of the "e;Caucasian race"e; more broadly in the light of the changing politics of racial theory and notions of racial identity. With a comprehensive sweep that encompasses the understanding of race even before the use of the term "e;Caucasian,"e; Baum traces the major trends in scientific and intellectual understandings of "e;race"e; from the Middle Ages to the present day. Baum's conclusions make an unprecedented attempt to separate modern science and politics from a long history of racial classification. He offers significant insights into our understanding of race and how the "e;Caucasian race"e; has been authoritatively invented, embraced, displaced, and recovered throughout our history.