W.E.B. Du Bois's First Novel 'The Quest of the Silver Fleece' Published in France by Riveneuve
Riveneuve Éditions has unveiled the first-ever French version of W.E.B. Du Bois's inaugural novel, 'The Quest of the Silver Fleece' (La Quête de la Toison d'Argent), translated by Florence Canicave. Originally published in 1911, this work had not been available in France until now. Publisher Gilles Kraemer explained that La Cheminante had intended to publish the translation nearly ten years ago, but it remained unfinished due to the publisher's closure. The narrative, set in the aftermath of the Civil War, delves into the dynamics of Reconstruction and harsh capitalism, drawing parallels to modern-day America under Trump. It follows a young couple striving for success in the cotton industry amid racial tensions. Du Bois, who earned his doctorate from Harvard in 1895, was a pivotal figure in civil rights, with only three of his works previously translated into French.
Key facts
- W.E.B. Du Bois's first novel, 'The Quest of the Silver Fleece', was written in 1911.
- The French translation by Florence Canicave was published by Riveneuve in autumn 2026.
- The translation was initially intended for La Cheminante almost a decade ago, but that publisher closed.
- Du Bois wrote five novels, none of which had been translated into French before.
- Du Bois was the first Black person to receive a doctorate from Harvard, in 1895.
- The novel is set just after the Civil War and critiques Reconstruction-era capitalism.
- The first Pan-African Congress was held in Paris in 1911 with Du Bois.
- Only three of Du Bois's books had previously been translated into French.
Entities
Artists
- W.E.B. Du Bois
- William Edward Burghardt Du Bois
- Gilles Kraemer
- Florence Canicave
Institutions
- Riveneuve
- La Cheminante
- Harvard University
- RFI
Locations
- France
- United States
- Paris
- Marseille
- New York
- Harlem