E.J. Hobsbawm's Nations and Nationalism since 1780 is a captivating look at the theory behind what really makes a nation. It strives to answer how we create our nations, what identity we find within them, and how it affects our everyday lives.

I first read this book during my college years at the University of Arizona. It was a "weed out" book meaning we were assigned to read it within the first week to see who could handle the complex topics and understand them without hesitation.

While it is very hard to read, it offers a vast well of knowledge about nations and nationalism. Although he does miss some very important topics, such as how does gender fit into the concept of nationalism and what really makes a citizen.

I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to learn more about why nations exist and what is the theory behind their creation. ( )

not one of his strongest books, i would say, but still worth reading ( )

Nice survey of nationalism and its causes. Rambles a lot, partly because Hobsbawm has one of the greatest breadths of knowledge I've ever heard of. It's based on a series of lectures and doesn't try to answer all questions. It does an excellent job of identifying areas in which there is a consensus and areas that are not at all clear. Some of his basic points include that mercantilism and capitalism contribute to the formation of modern nations, with the main impetus being the benefits of large, stable politic units on economic growth. Small nationalities (e.g. Welsh) saw benefits of maintaining relationship with larger nations (Brits) because it was to their benefit. Also discussed technological changes that allowed larger nationalities to develop. He deals largely with Europe, though, where he apparently believes nationalism begins. He doesn't deal with other regions as much. If you can follow the indirect writing style, this is a very useful book. ( )

This was a difficult read for me, but very enlightening. Lots of information but I felt the organization was a little lacking—he seemed to jump from point to point and I had trouble following it. Still, it was very interesting, and it seems to confirm what you suspect but don't really know: nations are a construct… EVERYTHING YOU KNOW IS WRONG! Seriously, though, Hobsbawm argues that the version of history taught in public schools—indeed, that public schools themselves—was/were invented to inspire nationalism in the minds of good little patriots. Pledge of Allegiance anyone? This partly explains why there is such a conflict between what historians do and what the general public believes—why there is such a thing as a "nationalistic" school of history. Ireland is a case in point. When scientists make a new discovery, it's accepted by the public with ease (except, perhaps, Pluto) but when historians do… people rebel and refuse to believe something they weren't taught in school because of the emotional/nationalistic tie-in. That's how so many national myths get perpetuated. You don't get where I am without realizing how dangerous nationalism can be. ( )