Theories of Imperialism [Paperback]

Wolfgang J. Mommsen (Author), P. S. Falla (Translator)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0226533964 | ISBN-13: 978-0226533964 | Publication Date: March 15, 1982 | Edition: 1

"In recent years the discussion of imperialism has become so compartmentalized that it is difficult for somebody who is not directly involved to put the often polemical discussion and the various scientific and political positions forward into a relevant context. Mommsen's survey is an excellent guide."—German Studies, on the German edition.

"Theories of Imperialism is the most succinct, fairest, and most sophisticated statement I have seen of the range of theories of imperialism. Each set of theorists is come at in their own terms, described fairly, and summarized fully. The book is objective, readable, and short."—Robin W. Winks, Yale University

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English, German (translation)

About the Author

Wolfgang J. Mommsen is professor of history at Dusseldorf University and director of the German Historical Institute in London.

Product Details

• Paperback: 190 pages
• Publisher: University Of Chicago Press; 1 edition (March 15, 1982)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0226533964
• ISBN-13: 978-0226533964
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #902,286 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Chiefly useful as a bibliography, August 18, 2006

By 

James R. Maclean (Seattle, WA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Theories of Imperialism (Paperback)

Mommsen's survey of theories on imperialism was not bad for its time; however, it is now quite dated. Most readers will find it dry, but not terribly difficult to follow. Since this book was published, a substantial volume of work has been done on the topic of imperialism as a form of ecological violence (Mike Davis, Nancy Scheper-Hughes); these are missing from Mommsen's book. Likewise, general views of history in which imperialism plays an important role (e.g., the "world systems theory" of Immanuel Wallerstein) are not brought up, although in 1976 this seems like a more serious omission.

Additionally, I take issue with the summaries of the theories involved. In the case best known to me, that of John A Hobson, the theories involved are far more complex than described by Mommson; it was probably outside the scope of Mommsen's plan for the work to include his own observations of Richard Cobden's behavior in parliament (please see Semmel's *The Rise of Free Trade Imperialism* for a good discussion), since Mommsen doesn't usually arbitrate among rival theories.

Since the omissions are fairly consequential, and the summaries are unsatisfactory, I cannot think of a compelling reason anyone would want this book.