Imagined Communities: Reflections on the Origin and Spread of Nationalism

by Benedict Anderson Narrated by Kevin Foley

Overview

Imagined Communities, Benedict Anderson's brilliant book on nationalism, forged a new field of study when it first appeared in 1983. Since then it has sold over a quarter of a million copies and is widely considered the most important book on the subject. In this greatly anticipated revised edition, Anderson updates and elaborates on the core question: What makes people live and die for nations, as well as hate and kill in their name?

Anderson examines the creation and global spread of the 'imagined communities' of nationality, and explores the processes that created these communities: the territorialization of religious faiths, the decline of antique kingship, the interaction between capitalism and print, the development of secular languages-of-state, and changing conceptions of time and space. He shows how an originary nationalism born in the Americas was adopted by popular movements in Europe, by imperialist powers, and by the anti-imperialist resistances in Asia and Africa.

In a new afterword, Anderson examines the extraordinary influence of Imagined Communities: he also explores the book's international publication and reception, from its first publication towards the end of the Cold War era to the present day.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

One of the greatest … deserves still to be central to our thinking about the world.”
—T. J. Clark, London Review of Books

“Anderson’s work stands as an inspiration not only to his students, his readers, and all those whose lives have been affected by his work, but also to all those who reject the false choice between politics and scholar¬ship, and who seek to live accordingly.”
—Nation

“Anderson transformed the study of nationalism … and was renowned not only for his theoretical contributions but also for his detailed examinations of language and power in Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines.”
—New York Times

“Far and away the most influential study of nationalism … As well-versed in novels and poetry as he was in scholarship, Anderson was an eloquent advocate for global culture.”
—Jeet Heer, New Republic

“Everything Anderson wrote was boldly original … He was never content to tell an audience what they wanted to hear.”
—Anthony Reid, Guardian

“This is a book to be owned and read, re-read, and treasured.”
—Academic Library Book Review

“Anderson’s knowledge of a vast range of relevant historical literature is most impressive; his presentation of the gist of it is both masterly and lucid.”
—Edmund Leach, New Statesman

“Everything Anderson wrote was boldly original … He was never content to tell an audience what they wanted to hear.”
—Anthony Reid, Guardian

“A brilliant little book.”
—Neal Ascherson, Observer

“Sparkling, readable, densely packed.”
—Peter Worsley, Guardian

Academic Library Book Review

This is a book to be owned and read, re-read, and treasured.

Edmund Leach - New Statesman

Anderson’s knowledge of a vast range of relevant historical literature is most impressive; his presentation of the gist of it is both masterly and lucid.

Neal Ascherson - Observer

A brilliant little book.

Peter Worsley - Guardian

Sparkling, readable, densely packed.

Nation

A brilliant exegesis on nationalism.

New Statesman

Anderson’s knowledge of a vast range of relevant historical literature is most impressive; his presentation of the gist of it is both masterly and lucid.”— Edmund Leach

Observer

A brilliant little book.”— Neal Ascherson

Guardian

Sparkling, readable, densely packed.”— Peter Worsley

MAY 2012 - AudioFile

This classic work, published in 1991, focuses on nationalism and nation-state building throughout the world—from medieval times through the early modern period, especially, the eighteenth through the early twentieth century. Kevin Foley narrates in a straightforward manner, carefully enunciating each word. He delivers the complicated concepts slowly to allow listeners time to absorb Anderson’s ideas about community and nationalism. Foley’s flat accent is perfect for this international study despite his sometimes odd pronunciation of words. However, he makes no effort to alter his delivery when the author interjects his comments and personal reflections. As a result, this complex text is better suited to print than audio. M.B.K. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940170898251
Publisher:	Tantor Audio
Publication date:	03/05/2012
Edition description:	Unabridged

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