The God of Modernity: The Development of Nationalism in Western Europe

by Josep R. Llobera

Overview

This book provides an integrated framework for explaining how nationalism has become one of the most powerful ideologies of modern times. Starting with a consideration of the medieval roots of the nation, the author goes on to examine the various approaches and structural theories which have been used to explain the development of nationalism. In so doing, he highlights the key role of cultural and political influences, as well as the impact of the French Revolution and its aftermath. Clearly written with concise, self-contained chapters, this book will be of interest to undergraduates taking a range of social science and history courses as well as specialist readers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780854969401
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	08/01/1996
Series:	Berg European Studies Series
Edition description:	First Edition
Pages:	229
Product dimensions:	5.44(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)

About the Author

Josep R. Llobera Visiting Professor of Anthropology,University College London

Table of Contents

PART I The Nation: A Medieval Heritage I Prelude to Nationhood, Basic Concepts, The Germanic Invasions, Towards a Synthesis, The Carolingian Empire 2 Domains of Statehood and Nationhood Introduction, Britannia, Gallia, Germania, ltalia, Hispania, Provisional Conclusions, PART II The Development of Nationalism: Structural Factors 3 Capitalism and Nationalism 4 State and Nationalism 5 Class, Civil Society and Nationalism 6 Church, Civil Religion and Nationalism, PART III The Development of Nationalism: Ideological Factors 7 Political and Cultural Nationalism, Introduction: Some Terminological Problems, The Origins of the Idea of National Character in Montesquieu and Hume, Rosseau and Political Nationalism, Herder and Cultural Nationalism, Hegel on the Volksgeist, Romanticism and Nationalism, PART IV The Development of Nationalism: Historical Processes, 8 The Force of Historical Events: The French Revolution and its Aftermaths, 9 Nationalist Paths to Modernity, PART V Theoretical Recapitulation

Editorial Reviews

The author knows the relevant literature extremely well and is also well acquainted with current debates and with theories on nationalism and nation-building. His knowledge of the subject, his insights and his judgements make [the book] very useful and intelligent reading.” —Professor Peter Alter, German Historical Institute, London

“... his evident familiarity with the current literature on nationalism is impressive, and his summaries of the arguments of major thinkers on the issue make his book a useful addition to the debate.” —Jourbanal of European Studies

“... will take its place among the canon on nationalism. His reading of the relevant literature is exhaustive but well assimilated and discussed with sensitivity.” —Canadian Review of Studies on Nationalism

“ ... an incredibly rich quarry to be mined by all those wanting a guide to the contested origins and controversies surrounding the western European nations. Llobera's learning is formidable and this book deserves a place on the shelves of all those who wish to unravel the enigma of modern nationalism.” —The International History Review

“The wide-ranging, comparative approach of the book, coupled with the inclusion in each chapter of detailed bibliographical references, make The God of Modernity a useful text which can readily be understood by students and is to be recommended as of interest to a wide readership, including undergraduates in the history, politics and social science areas, together with specialist readers working on particular countries included within the study.” —Jourbanal of Area Studies

From the Publisher

... will take its place among the canon on nationalism. His reading of the relevant literature is exhaustive but well assimilated and discussed with sensitivity.

Canadian Review of Studies on Nationalism

The author knows the relevant literature extremely well and is also well acquainted with current debates and with theories on nationalism and nation-building. His knowledge of the subject, his insights and his judgements make [the book] very useful and intelligent reading.

Professor Peter Alter

... an incredibly rich quarry to be mined by all those wanting a guide to the contested origins and controversies surrounding the western European nations. Llobera's learning is formidable and this book deserves a place on the shelves of all those who wish to unravel the enigma of modern nationalism.

The International History Review

... his evident familiarity with the current literature on nationalism is impressive, and his summaries of the arguments of major thinkers on the issue make his book a useful addition to the debate.

Journal of European Studies

The wide-ranging, comparative approach of the book, coupled with the inclusion in each chapter of detailed bibliographical references, make The God of Modernity a useful text which can readily be understood by students and is to be recommended as of interest to a wide readership, including undergraduates in the history, politics and social science areas, together with specialist readers working on particular countries included within the study.

Journal of Area Studies