In Nations and Nationalism, Ernest Gellner explores the development of nations and nationalism, emphasizing their roles as products of modernization. He discusses how industrial society's needs for cultural homogeneity and communication foster the formation of nations, contrasting them with older social structures. Gellner argues that nationalism serves a unifying function, aligning culture with the state.

Informative

Contemplative

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

4.1

1,701 ratings

66%

Loved it

26%

Mixed feelings

Not a fan

Review Roundup

Ernest Gellner's Nations and Nationalism is lauded for its deep analysis of nationalism's emergence, rooted in industrial society's demands. Critics appreciate the theoretical depth but note its dense prose and limited empirical examples. While insightful, some view Gellner's arguments as Eurocentric and overly deterministic. Engaging yet complex, it's valued in academic circles.

Who Should Read Nations and Nationalism?

A reader interested in Nations and Nationalism by Ernest Gellner is likely an academic or scholar intrigued by political theory, sociology, or history. Similar works include Anderson’s Imagined Communities and Hobsbawm’s Nations and Nationalism since 1780. They enjoy exploring theories on state formation and cultural identity.

4.1

1,701 ratings

66%

Loved it

26%

Mixed feelings

Not a fan

Fun Facts

Nations and Nationalism by Ernest Gellner was first published in 1983 and has since become a foundational text in the field of nationalism studies, often cited in both academic and policy-making discussions.

The book is well-known for introducing Gellner's theory that nationalism is a result of the social conditions resulting from the transition from agrarian to industrial society, making it a significant exploration of social evolution without relying on traditional nation-state narratives.

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Gellner's work in Nations and Nationalism challenges many classical theories of nationalism by contending that nationalism and the nation are not ancient phenomena but rather modern constructs shaped by economic changes.

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Book Details

Pages

170

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Genre

Philosophy

•

Social Science

•

Anthropology

Setting

1980s

Topic

Philosophy

•

Anthropology

•

Education

Publication Year

1983

Audience

Adult