Peasant Wars of the Twentieth Century studies revolutions in Mexico, Russia, China, Vietnam, Algeria, and Cuba in an effort to formulate some opinion about the origins and effects of peasant uprising. Published in 1969 and written by a professor, Eric R. Wolf, who was admitedly part of the teach-in movement protesting the war in Vietnam, the book could be expected to have a radical feel to it. Any such expectations are firmly off the mark. Through extensive research and analysis, all of these rebellions are put into historical context, with an examination of population, socio-ecionomic strata, political perspective, religious movments, etc. With such exhaustive detail, the case studies end up functioning more as an historical abstract for each country.

Though the title of the book might suggest some Marxist or socialist conclusion in the making, the history of these events are not so easily pigeon-holed. Ultimately, Wolf sees the history of these countries largely in the context of major social dislocation, set in motion by wholesale societal change towards industrialization and capitalism. Each country is seen to move more and more towards a perspective of viewing people and land as individual commodities rather than as community wide resources. Such a persxpective resulted in the breaking of more traditional social ties in favor of individual economic interests.

This is an interesting and thought provoking book. Though, be warned, this is not an easy read by any means. Wolf's training as an anthropoligist and his bent for statistics often make for a dense read. But, even for the casual history buff, each chapter offers unique insight into the history of a nation.

Recommended for anyone with an interest in cultural studies or history.

3 1/2 bones!!! ( )