What are the imagined communities that compel people to kill or die for an idea of the nation? This concept of nationality has its roots in the founding of the Americas, but it was adopted and transformed by popular movements in 19th-century Europe. It became the cry of anti-imperialists as well as the enduring explanation for colonization. In this fascinating and groundbreaking work of intellectual history, Anderson explores how ideas are formed and reshaped at every level, from high politics to mass culture, and how they can make people do extraordinary things. In the 21st century, discussions about the nature of the nation-state are even more urgent. As new countries emerge, claiming influence, and old empires recede, we must understand who we are as a community in the face of history and change.

Pages: 256, Dimensions: 14x14cm