The Invention of Tradition (Canto Classics)
by Eric Hobsbawm, Terence Ranger
The Invention of Tradition, edited by Eric Hobsbawm and Terence Ranger, is a groundbreaking collection of essays that reveal how many so-called ancient traditions are actually modern creations. Drawing on historical examples from diverse regions, it explores the role of invented customs in shaping societies, politics, and identities. This Canto Classics edition revives a key text in understanding cultural history.
About This Book
The Invention of Tradition examines the ways in which customs and practices regarded as ancient are frequently constructed in the recent past. Edited by Eric Hobsbawm and Terence Ranger, this influential collection brings together essays from leading historians.
The book delves into the fabrication of traditions across various societies, highlighting how they serve political and social purposes. It covers examples from Europe, Africa, and beyond, revealing the constructed nature of what we perceive as timeless.
Originally published as part of the Past and Present series, this Canto Classics edition makes the seminal text accessible to a wider audience. It remains a cornerstone in historical and anthropological studies.
Through rigorous analysis, the authors demonstrate how traditions are invented to legitimize authority and foster national identity. The work encourages readers to question the authenticity of cultural narratives.
Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to review this book!