The Nation in History: Historiographical Debates about Ethnicity and Nationalism (Menahem Stern Jerusalem Lectures) [Hardcover]

Anthony D. Smith (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2000 | ISBN-10: 1584650397 | ISBN-13: 978-1584650393

An expert analyzes the major debates between historians and social scientists on the nature and development of ethnic communities, nations, and nationalism.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Drawing examples from across the globe and providing succinct summaries of key ideas about nationalism developed by philosophers, sociologists and historians from Herder and Rousseau to Homi Bhaba and William McNeill, this is a stimulating and insightful essay by one of the foremost experts on nationalism studies today.' English Historical Review

"For thirty years, Anthony D. Smith has published extensively on the phenomenon of the 'nation' and has a global reputation in this field." History --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

From the Publisher

5 1/2 x 8 1/2 trim. LC 00-021080

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 122 pages
• Publisher: Brandeis/Historical Society of Israel (June 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1584650397
• ISBN-13: 978-1584650393
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,445,402 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good introduction to Smith, January 2, 2001

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Edward Bosnar - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Nation in History: Historiographical Debates about Ethnicity and Nationalism (Menahem Stern Jerusalem Lectures) (Paperback)

The text of this book is based on a series of lectures delivered by Smith in Jerusalem in May 1999. Although intended to be an analysis of theories of nations and nationalism in recent history and the historiography on this topic, the book also provide a good introduction as any to Smith's vast and important body of work on nations and nationalism. The chapters of this book offer an excellent summary of some of the main streams in contemporary nationalism theory and interesting critiques of them as well. Smith's own theory of the origins of nations is based on what he calls ethnosymbolism. Basically he sees modern nations as having their roots in previously existing ethnicities ("ethnies") and the associated traditions and customs, although he does not strictly adhere to the organic continuity of nations throughout history (a view generally held by nationalists themselves). Also, he emphasizes, quite correctly, the importance of myths, memories and especially symbols and their role in fomenting and maintaining a sense of common identity among the people unified in a nation. This often places him at odds with the major body of theorists who see the nation and nationalism as strictly political instruments or functions of economic change, even though Smith does not refute the validity of such arguments. Smith presents his arguments very clearly here, and this book is well worth reading.