The Idea of Nationalism: A Study in Its Origins and Background

This edition of The Idea of Nationalism includes an extensive new introduction by Craig Calhoun, which in itself is a substantial contribution to the history of ideas. Kohn’s original work comprehensively analyzes the rise of nationalism, the idea’s content, and its worldwide implications from the days of Hebrew and Greek antiquity to the eve of the French Revolution. Within the text, Kohn argues that the age of nationalism represents the first period of universal history. Civilizations and continents are brought into ever closer contact; popular participation in politics is enormously increased; and the secular state is ever more significant.