Synopses & Reviews
In his latest collection of essays, Neil Davidson brings his formidable analytical powers to bear on the concept of the capitalist nation-state. Through probing inquiry, Davidson draws out how nationalist ideology and consciousness is used to bind the subordinate classes to the nation,” while simultaneously using the state” as a means of conducting geopolitical competition for capital.
Review
Praise for How Revolutionary Were the Bourgeois Revolutions? and Holding Fast to an Image of the PastI was frankly pole-axed by this magnificent book. Davidson resets the entire debate on the character of revolutions: bourgeois, democratic, and socialist. Hes sending me, at least, back to the library.”
Mike Davis, author of Planet of Slums
This is, quite simply, the finest book of its kind.”
Tony McKenna, Marx and Philosophy Review of Books
This is Neil Davidson at his very best. In a sparkling set of essays, Davidson offers a conceptually sophisticated and historically wide-ranging analysis of the work of classical and contemporary political thinkers. . . . In terms of its depth of learning it stands in comparison with Perry Andersons Zone of Engagement. An essential read.”
Satnam Virdee, professor of sociology, University of Glasgow
Holding Fast to an Image of the Past is illuminating, authoritative, and sometimes very funny. . . . This new collection fruitfully combines wide-ranging erudition with vivid vignettes.”
Bridget Fowler, emeritus professor of sociology, University of Glasgow
Synopsis
Davidson argues that a Marxist understanding of the meaning of contemporary nation-states must begin from the inseparable connections between them.
About the Author
Neil Davidson is the author of
Discovering the Scottish Revolution (2003), for which he was awarded the Deutscher Prize,
How Revolutionary Were the Bourgeois Revolutions? (2012), and
Holding Fast to an Image of the Past (2014). Davidson lectures in sociology in the School of Political and Social Science at the University of Glasgow, Scotland.