Uncivilised (novel)

Uncivilised is a 1920 novel by Victor Rousseau Emanuel (pen name Victor Rousseau). The novel presents a fictional account of a lost civilization located in the heart of New Guinea, referred to as the "Amesani." The story generally follows the conventions of the lost world adventure genre popular during the early 20th century.

The narrative typically centers around a protagonist, often a Western explorer or adventurer, who stumbles upon this hidden society. The Amesani are depicted as possessing unique customs, societal structures, and potentially advanced technologies or spiritual practices unknown to the outside world. The term "uncivilised" in the title is employed ironically, challenging conventional notions of civilization by suggesting that the Amesani, though different, possess their own complex and valid cultural framework. The narrative explores themes of cultural relativism, the impact of colonialism, and the potential dangers of imposing Western values on indigenous populations. The "uncivilised" label, therefore, becomes a point of contention and interrogation within the story. The plot usually involves navigating the Amesani society, facing dangers inherent in the unfamiliar environment, and ultimately making choices that impact the future of the lost civilization. The novel is often considered a critique of the assumptions underpinning the idea of progress and Western superiority.