In spite of the number and the quality of studies devoted to Arthur Young of late, there remain significant gaps in our knowledge of the life and works of this central figure of the Fourierist movement, who is chiefly recognized for his role as a philanthropist and leader of the colony of Cîteaux. Drawing on hitherto untapped sources, including Young’s own writings, we concentrate on the lesser known episodes in his life, from his Scottish origins, to his connections with English Fourierism, from his ambitions to found a community in Australia, to his belated career as a philosopher. Everything in his life points to an unwavering passion for the ideal of the Phalanstery. However, it is only by producing his own œuvre that Arthur Young finally ceases to be a simple disciple and connects with his true calling : that of writer and thinker.

Jean Fornasiero est professeur d’études françaises à l’université d’Adelaide (Australie). Elle s’intéresse à l’histoire des idées au XIXe siècle et à ses rapports avec la littérature, notamment par le biais de l’Ecole sociétaire. Parmi ses travaux récents : "L’Utopie en mouvement", Australian Journal of French Studies, 2006-4 (en codirection avec Thomas Bouchet et John West-Sooby) ; Encountering Terra Australis : The Australian Voyages of Nicolas Baudin and Matthew Flinders (avec P. Monteath et J. West-Sooby, prix Broeze d’histoire maritime, 2005)