Book Description
A new edition of the definitive book on nationalism—over a quarter of a million copies sold worldwide.
Imagined Communities, Benedict Anderson's brilliant book on nationalism, forged a new field of study when it first appeared in 1983. Since then it has sold over a quarter of a million copies and is widely considered the most important book on the subject. In this greatly anticipated revised edition, Anderson updates and elaborates on the core question: what makes people live, die and kill in the name of nations? He shows how an originary nationalism born in the Americas was adopted by popular movements in Europe, by imperialist powers, and by the anti-imperialist resistances in Asia and Africa, and explores the way communities were created by the growth of the nation-state, the interaction between capitalism and printing, and the birth of vernacular languages-of-state. Anderson revisits these fundamental ideas, showing how their relevance has been tested by the events of the past two decades.
Customer Reviews:
Thought-provoking but unsatisfying.......2007-07-17
This short book/long essay offers some interesting insights on nationalism, but is limited by its Marxist-materialist perspective. Anderson obviously knows his history and his typology of three essential nationalisms (the new republics of the Americas in the late 18th-early 19th centuries, popular national revival movements in 19th-century Europe, and suffocating official nationalisms such as the British and Russian empires) is based on the history of capitalism, the development of printing, mass communication, class conflicts, and world trade. Anderson argues that these models were adapted in one form or another in the newly independent nations of Africa and Asia after World War II.
Psychology is the unmentioned elephant in the drawing room. There is no consideration of group/crowd psychology or built-in human aggressiveness and territoriality, the human need to define oneself in a group in opposition to others, or the way that nations are felt by many people to be a kind of family, with rulers as parent figures. The absence of psychology causes Anderson's argument to run out of steam toward the end, when he offers only a few pages about patriotism and racism, and here becomes shallow and unconvincing.
Some nation-states are no doubt very artificial (as Anderson's "imagined" title suggests), and borders between countries are often artificial. But cultural and linguistic differences between groups are very real. Anderson recognizes the importance of language differences. At one point he quotes a distinguished Indonesian author, leaving the quote untranslated. (Are we supposed to be impressed because Anderson reads Indonesian and we, presumably, don't?) However, Anderson does not give much consideration to cultural (including religious) differences, other than some mention of this issue in his discussion of Japan and Indonesia.
There are other curious omissions. Anderson does not note that people often have multiple and conflicting loyalties (allegiance to a nation, but also to a region, or to a religion). He never mentions the Roman Empire, says little or nothing about the Arab world, diaspora populations or stateless peoples.
Anderson is an academic writing for other academics. He wants to be quoted and to be considered clever, hence the catchy title. Readers outside academia may become irritated with his gassy, excessively precious and self-indulgent style (phrases like "discontinuity-in-connectedness"). Anderson's references to trendy authors (Foucault, Bakhtin) do not really contribute to his argument and the authors in question are no longer as trendy now as they were in the early 1980s.
This book can certainly stimulate your thinking on this important topic, but will leave many questions unanswered.
Imagine that...!.......2007-07-12
Great book! I am using it for academic research and have found it great from a theoretical perspective. That said, it is a bloody brillant read for anyone who is just simply interested in understanding what the big deal is about nations or wanting to just have a more general understanding behind the more everyday realities of what nation and national identity, like pretty much any other kind of social grouping mean.
One of the seminal works on the evolution of national consciousness.......2007-06-08
Anderson's masterful work about the development of national consciousness should be read and treasured by anyone interested in modern politics, political theory, or societal development. Bringing together an impressive array of international and polyglot sources, it is one of the few books that gives a global account of the phenomenon of nationalism and modern nation-building while disabusing readers of most of the truisms concerning nations that people today seem to take for granted. Read it, and then pass it on to your friends and family. It's worth it.
New Edition disappointing.......2007-02-20
I was disappointed in this 'new edition', because it is a missed opportunity.
When it was first published in 1983, 'Imagined Communities' deservedly became a classic in the analysis of nationalism - and an excellent antidote to those who beat nationalist drums. As the new chapter (on the 'geobiography of the book') at the end of this edition outlines, the book has now been published in 30 countries and 27 languages.
Partly inspired by Anderson, the debates on nationalism have moved on considerably in the subsequent 23 years. I was hoping that a new/revised edition would at least note these debates, and preferably comment and analyse them. Unfortunately, this edition does not. Indeed, even though the 'Preface to the second edition' (written in 1991) refers to the excellent 1990 book by Eric Hobsbawm 'Nations and Nationalism', that Hobsbawm text does not get a listing in the bibliography. There is little in the bibliography post 1983, and nothing since around 1990.
While the initial book is still well worth reading (hence the three stars), there is unfortunately little to recommend in this 'new edition'
Update Needed, New Wars To Contemplate!!!.......2007-02-05
I certainly recommend this book, for a quick and easy read. If communism or fascism is a topic of interest then this book would be a great addition.
As usual though Anderson constantly revives Islamic ideology, as a prime source of Nationalism, but luckily he tackles many other topics such as the Vietnam war, the Cold War, Imperialism, China, Europe, but most importantly "modernity."
He directly questions pluralism in humanity, in times of Antiquity in paradox with modernity. His questioning crosses all continents, where at last we realize the transcontinental routes of Nationalism.
Book Description
This digital document is an article from The Journal of the American Oriental Society, published by American Oriental Society on January 1, 1994. The length of the article is 858 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.
Citation Details
Title: Imagined Communities: Reflections on the Origin and Spread of Nationalism. (book reviews)
Author: Laurie J. Sears
Publication:
The Journal of the American Oriental Society (Refereed)
Date: January 1, 1994
Publisher: American Oriental Society
Volume: v114
Issue: n1
Page: p129(2)
Article Type: Book Review
Distributed by Thomson Gale
Book Description
The hummingbird is a compact wonder of physiology, and has long been a source of fascination for observers of the natural world. This tiny creature is a record breaker on many fronts, from its highly efficient use of food for energy to its staggeringly impressive annual long-distance migrations. The mystery and achievement of the hummingbird has clearly made its mark.
A zoologist by training and a bird lover by nature, author Robert Burton marries a rigorous scientific knowledge about these unique birds with an engaging appreciation for and a delight in his subject.
In lively and informative text, Burton introduces the hummingbird and deftly explores its natural history, its essential relationship with plant life, the miracle of its flight, its elaborate social life as well as its nesting behavior and renowned migratory habits. Also addressed is the hummingbird's rich relationship with humans, including its place in myth and legend. Burton also discusses the post-contact trade in hummingbird feathers, which has significantly depleted its populations, and the current threats to its habitat.
Customer Reviews:
Gave as a gift- the recipient LOVED it........2005-09-12
I gave this book to a friend of mine who volunteers "banding" hummingbirds. She raved about the book, telling me that the book was excellent. Excellent birthday gift.
A Gorgeous Book.......2002-05-31
I charged this book out of the Beaverton, Oregon, library and may buy it for a friend who loves hummingbirds. It's beautiful. It contains many interesting facts and was an easy read. Some of the information could be used by school teachers to do a nice lecture for their students with a subsequent homework assignment to learn more about birds.
Packed with both color photos and fascinating facts.......2002-04-10
There have been many books written on hummingbirds; so why another? Robert Burton's World Of The Hummingbird provides a focus on the science of the hummingbird more than its coffee-table predecessors, considering the bird's survival tactics, daily patterns, and habitats. From feeding to migration patterns, this is packed with both color photos and fascinating facts easily accessible to lay readers.
Customer Reviews:
Great!.......2003-03-23
This legend is a great way to start talking to students about the Mayan people of long ago. The illustrations are bright and interesting. The pictures could start a discussion! The message about a jealous uncle and a kings passing could be compared to the Lion King if you are comparing legends.
A great story for older kids.......2001-11-04
I bought this book for my Guatemalan born son and can't wait until he's old enough to read it to him. The illustrations are quite beautiful. It troubles me a bit that the story is violent with the evil uncle plotting against his nephew - but at the same time it's the same plot as the Lion King, only with a different ending. Nevertheless I would say this is a story for five-year olds and above.
The Hummingbird King: A Guatemalan Legend.......2000-03-25
This is a great book if you teach native american history and culture. Especially if you teach about native american tribes that existed in Mexico and Central America. The book does a great job of portraying Maya life/culture. It tells the story a Mayan prince who receives a visit from a sacred bird when he is born. The sacred bird leaves a feather as a present for this newborn prince. From this day on the prince carries the feather with him for good luck and fortune. The feather protects him of all evil or from being hurt, he is basically invincible. His people love this prince because he protects them. But there is a Mayan warrior who is jealous of the prince. His envy makes him steal this feather from the prince, the prince then dies in a battle. But the Mayan people still believe that this prince protects over them in a mysterious way.
Book Description
Sometimes the smallest creatures have the biggest and most extraordinary adventures. Homer, a ruby-throated hummingbird no bigger than your index finger, journeys from the lush, tropical rain forests of Costa Rica to an artist's garden in Michigan. His journey and his life are full of danger, distance, and delightful friendships.
Customer Reviews:
A beautiful book!.......2005-09-27
Cynthia Furlong Reynolds, author of The Far-Flung Adventures of Homer the Hummer has accomplished something extremely difficult in the children's book world. She has written a delightful, informative and educational children's book.
And Catherine McClung's illustrations are positively luscious! The pages are so beautiful they could be framed. Children will enjoy looking at the illustrations but adults will be mesmerized by them.
Homer, a ruby-throated hummingbird is a tiny bird (the size of an index finger). The story is Homer's journey from the rain forest of Costa Rica to the Michigan garden of an artist. The journey is filled with adventure, excitement, danger and friendship. But what adds to this special story is that it is packed with interesting information.
Armchair Interviews says: The Far-Flung Adventures of Homer the Hummer is a beautiful book to keep forever.
A delightful picturebook following the adventures of a ruby-throated hummingbird .......2005-09-14
Award-winning journalist Cynthia Reynolds and hummingbird admirer and artist Catherine McClung present The Far- Flung Adventures of Homer the Hummer, a delightful picturebook following the adventures of a ruby-throated hummingbird (no bigger than a person's index finger!) and his long journey from the tropical rain forests of Costa Rica to an artist's garden in Michigan. The moody, expansive color artwork is the perfect complement to the exciting tale, which is based on true stories of hummingbird behavior during their migrations, which can stretch up to 2,500 miles. Highly recommended reading for introducing young people to the bravery and resourcefulness of little feathered friends.
Average customer rating:
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Welcome to the World of Hummingbirds (Welcome to the World Series)
Diane Swanson
Manufacturer: Walrus Books
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Book Description
Did you know there are approximately 340 different kinds of hummingbirds, some as light as a penny? These champion acrobats of the sky can beat their wings more than 40 times a second, fly backward and even hover in midair, like helicopters. Since it's much easier to hear hummingbird wings than see them, just follow the hum to find the birds.
About the series: Each book in the
Welcome to the World of Series introduces children to wildlife through color photographs, lively description and amazing facts.
Average customer rating:
- An unprecedented resource
|
Handbook of the Birds of the World. Volume 5: Barn Owls to Hummingbirds (Handbooks of the Birds of the World)
Manufacturer: Lynx Edicions
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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Book Description
Handbook of the Birds of the World. Volume 5 (Barn Owls to Hummingbirds).
Customer Reviews:
An unprecedented resource.......2000-11-09
This is the only volume of the Handbook series I have so far, but based on it I would seriously consider investing money (and bookshelf space) in the entire set. For hummingbirds at least, this is the first modern treatment of all the world's known species, with illustrations and range maps as well as text, plus a detailed overview of current knowledge on biology, behavior, ecology, taxonomy, evolution, etc. Each species is illustrated field guide-style, with good representation of sexes and geographic variation. The species accounts are short but pithy and include conservation status.
The only real areas of concern, again in reference to the hummingbird section, were in the lack of consistency in the plates, sweeping taxonomic revisions, and editorial bias. Most of the plates are wonderful, but a few are so stylized as to scarcely resemble a real hummingbird, much less the one being portrayed (among the owl plates, too, are some exquisite portraits and some that are cartoonish). Some fairly major revisions of taxonomy - including lumping and splitting of species plus generic reassignments - provide food for thought, but many are controversial and may ultimately be rejected by the ornithological community.
More distressing are the expressed and implied prejudices of the section editor. When published observations disagreed with his unsubstantiated opinion on one issue, he repeatedly insisted that these observations must be wrong. As the editor is European, his opinions are no doubt influenced by his limited field experience with hummingbirds, but it is an abuse of editorial privilege (not to mention unscientific) to use such a forum to arrogantly dismiss the findings of one's colleagues. Moreover, among the 18 authors of hummingbird species accounts I found only a single Latino name and none I recognized as belonging to women, though there are many highly qualified and experienced Latin American and/or female researchers in the field. These are idiosyncracies of this particular editor, and I would not expect these issues to rear their ugly heads throughout the series.
Average customer rating:
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The Hummingbird: World's Smallest Bird (Record Breaking Animals)
Joy Paige
Manufacturer: Rosen Publishing Group
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Hummingbirds (Portrait of the Animal World)
Hal H. Wyss
Manufacturer: New Line Books
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ASIN: 1577171349
Release Date: 2005-01-01 |
Average customer rating:
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Hummingbirds (World of Nature)
Scott Weidensaul
Manufacturer: Smithmark Publishers
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Customer Reviews:
Lovely!.......2002-05-01
This is a lovely coffee table book on the fascinating hummers. Lots of great photos and info.
Book Description
This book is the first ever, comprehensive photographic guide to the identification of all 24 species of hummingbirds to be seen as breeders or vagrants in North America.
For all their startling colors, the speed of hummingbird flight and the often drab coloration of females and immatures make this group especially difficult to deal with in the field. The simple field marks are often poorly lit, hard to spot, or simply not shown by any particular individual under observation. But accurate identification of these popular and beautiful birds brings both real satisfaction and a welcome challenge to most birders.
Steve Howell, a well-known and respected bird tour leader and author, has made a particular study of the finer points of hummingbird recognition and has specially chosen over 200 stunning photographs to complement the information given in his text. Some species feature as many as 14 photographs each. A detailed introduction covers the basics of hummingbird anatomy and plumage variation, allowing the observer to effectively focus on points that are of value in the field. New field marks are provided and old myths dispelled in this ground breaking and essential new guide.
Key Features:
* Contains up to 14 full-color photos for each species, with detailed photo captions
* Detailed introduction covers fundamentals of hummingbird identification, including discussions of anatomy, plumage variation, and molt
* Comprehensive species accounts describe all plumages, compare similar species in depth, and discuss voice, displays, behavior, geographic range, and seasonal distribution
* Emphasizes difficult to identify plumages, such as females and immatures
* Features 200 stunning photos picked specifically to show identification criteria
Customer Reviews:
Hummingbirds of North America- Review.......2007-07-09
Um livro bastante técnico, exelente para biólogos e/ou ornitólogos.As informações são muito completas principalmente no que se refere às variações de plumagens que ocorrem dentro das mesmas espécies( machos, fêmeas e filhotes).Exelentes informações sobre a distribuição geográfica das espécies.
Hummingbirds - one of my passions............2007-05-13
I'm now able to correctly identiful many species of Hummingbirds. Great source of information. Very detailed book.
Steve Howell's photographic hummingbird guide.......2006-03-01
This is a very useful book for birders who want to be able to identify hummingbirds in the U.S. It includes photos and accompanying text for every hummingbird that you are likely (or lucky enough) to spot within U.S. borders. The text is particularly good, and the photos are shown large enough to be of use to the beginner/intermediate birdwatcher in addition to the experienced observer.
The Best Hummingbird Book Ever.......2002-03-30
At The Hummingbird Web Site and at the guest ranch we manage in the mountains in southeastern Arizona we are often asked what is the best hummingbird book. Here's the answer: Steve Howell's Hummingbirds of North America: A Photographic Guide. We refer to it almost daily. It sits in our office beside the three other bird books we would not be without -- the Sibley Guide, Jon Dunn's National Geographic Field Guide, and A Guide to the Birds of Mexico by - Guess who? - Steve Howell. Most of our guests are bird watchers on vacation. The book they were all talking about last year was the Sibley Guide. This year the book most often mentioned is the Howell hummingbird book.
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