The cultural foundations of nations : hierarchy, covenant and republic / Anthony D. Smith.

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

This major new work by Professor Anthony D. Smith challenges the notion of nationalism as a product of modernity. Major new work by a leading historical sociologist Challenges the prevailing idea of nationalism as a product of modernity Demonstrates that different political forms of community and collective identity from pre-modern times have contributed to the formation and character of nations Analyzes the chronology and nature of nations, from the ancient world, to the European Middle Ages, the early modern, and the modern eras Discusses alternative destinies facing modern nations today

Reviews provided by Syndetics

CHOICE Review

The author makes no effort to render this political theory disquisition accessible to the reader. Having Latin, Greek, and German dictionaries at hand would be useful. The style is 19th-century scholastic with numerous explanatory footnotes. The topic, the origins of nationalism, is potentially interesting and important. Unfortunately, Smith (London School of Economics) is more interested in tracing the earliest historical roots than the "cultural foundations" touted in the title. That emphasis reduces the relevance of the study. The past few decades have seen the rise of small nationalisms in well-established western European nations. Scotland, Wales, Breton, and the Flemish-Walloon divisions in Belgium are examples. Of course, the former Soviet Union and the Caucasus have become veritable stewpots of separatist nationalist movements. Smith's book has the analytical material to treat this topic, but he chooses not to do so. In its organization, theory, and scholarship, the book is outstanding. A course on nationalism could be easily and usefully organized around his outline and concepts. This reviewer would not, however, burden students with the chore of trying to read this dense text filled with arcane historical information. Summing Up: Optional. Research collections. H. Nelsen emeritus, University of South Florida