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Shortly after Silbert’s death, a significant portion of his work—including these texts and others on a variety of topics—was compiled and published by Miriam Halpern Pereira in the volume Portugal na Europa Oitocentista [Portugal in 19th Century Europe]. The materials for this volume had already been prepared by the author and delivered to the publisher prior to his passing. This volume includes, in Portuguese translation, the vast majority of Albert Silbert’s shorter works, making it an essential resource for younger generations seeking a deeper understanding of his contributions. Following his death in Paris on 30 December 1996, numerous tributes were published in various Portuguese academic journals. Ler História dedicated a small dossier to him, featuring contributions from two historians, Miriam Halpern Pereira and Fátima Sá e Melo Ferreira, and two geographers, Susanne Daveau and Denise de Brum Ferreira (“Homenagem a Albert Silbert 1915-1996,” Ler História , Issue 32, 1997, pp. 163–177). Finisterra published tributes by Carlos Alberto Medeiros and Mariano Feio: ("Albert Silbert 1915–1996," Finisterra , XXXII, 1997, pp. 103–104, and "Um historiador no campo," Idem, pp. 105–107). Additionally, Pénélope featured an in memoriam article by Nuno Gonçalo Monteiro ("Albert Silbert: In Memoriam," Penélope, no. 17, 1997), and the journal História [History] included a piece by Vitorino Magalhães Godinho (“Os novos caminhos para conhecer Portugal,” História , 29 (March, 1997) pp. 28-37). These tributes attest to the recognition, appreciation, and esteem in which Albert Silbert and his work have been held in Portugal. However, they do not invalidate the pertinence of a remark he made, tinged with a certain sorrow, during his 1985 interview with Ler História when reflecting on his studies of the Auvergne to support the work of his students: "A university professor in the provinces must encourage regional research. We need to find subjects for maitrise students and doctoral candidates working in the region. I had many and became a specialist in the contemporary history of Auvergne. I have had fewer chances to train Portuguese historians" (Interview with Ler História Issue 5 (1985), p. 123). The fact that Albert Silbert, with his vast knowledge of Portuguese history, had limited opportunities to directly train Portuguese historians after the fall of the dictatorial regime—which had forced so many researchers into exile—is certainly cause for reflection. The constraints of university teaching and research at a time when national borders imposed far greater limitations—both in terms of research areas and the organisation of teaching—undoubtedly contributed to this. Today, the possibilities for establishing international university partnerships and research networks are significantly greater than they were in the 1970s and 1980s. However, this brief outburst by the great French historian can be interpreted in another way. Despite the profound influence his studies have had on Portuguese historiography and the broader social sciences in Portugal, Albert Silbert was never a maître à penser for Portuguese researchers who read his work or interacted with him. In truth, he never sought to play such a role, nor did he appear to have the inclination for it. His analytical, meticulous, and modest nature made him unsuited to such a position. Otherwise, he would not have embarked on the type of studies he devoted most of his life to: two poor rural regions in a peripheral country. This choice carried significant consequences, including the lack of public recognition he deserved in his own country. |
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This work is financed by national funds through FCT - Foundation for Science and Technology, I.P, in the scope of the projects UIDB/04311/2020 and UIDP/04311/2020. |
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