The Noble Savage

"The Noble Savage; A Study in Romantic Naturalism" is a comprehensive examination of one of the most enduring and influential tropes in Western intellectual history. Hoxie Neale Fairchild explores the origin, development, and eventual decline of the "Noble Savage" concept-the belief that humans in a state of nature are inherently virtuous and uncorrupted by the perceived vices of civilization. Focusing primarily on the 18th and early 19th centuries, Fairchild traces the movement of this idea through the works of poets, philosophers, and explorers.

The work delves into the philosophical roots of Romantic naturalism, analyzing how the idealization of primitive life served as a critique of modern societal structures. From the early travel narratives of the Enlightenment to the peak of the Romantic movement, this study explores how writers shaped the Western imagination regarding the relationship between man and nature. Fairchild provides a meticulous analysis of the literary expressions of this myth, highlighting its role in the evolution of Romanticism and its impact on social and political thought. As a foundational text in the study of primitivism, "The Noble Savage; A Study in Romantic Naturalism" remains an essential resource for scholars of English literature, the history of ideas, and the philosophical underpinnings of the Romantic era.

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