Eric Hobsbawm

Eric Hobsbawm was a British historian of the rise of industrial capitalism, socialism, and nationalism. He is considered one of the most important historians of the 20th century and is known for his trilogy of books on the 'long 19th century': 'The Age of Revolution', 'The Age of Capital', and 'The Age of Empire'.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Age Of Extremes

    The Short Twentieth Century, 1914–1991

    "The Age of Extremes" is a historical analysis that explores the tumultuous period of the 20th century, spanning from 1914 to 1991. This work delves into the profound transformations and conflicts that defined the era, including the two World Wars, the Cold War, the rise of fascism and communism, and the eventual collapse of the Soviet Union. The book examines the impact of economic crises, technological advancements, and social changes on global societies, offering insights into how these extreme conditions shaped the modern world and its political landscapes. The narrative combines a detailed account of historical events with a critical evaluation of their economic and cultural implications, providing a comprehensive overview of a century marked by both unprecedented progress and devastating turmoil.

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  2. 2. The Age Of Revolution, 1789 1848

    Europe 1789-1848

    This book provides a comprehensive analysis of the transformative period between 1789 and 1848, a time marked by profound political, economic, and social upheavals across Europe and beyond. It delves into the impact of the French and Industrial Revolutions, exploring how these events reshaped societies, economies, and ideologies, setting the stage for modernity. The narrative examines the rise of nationalism, the spread of liberal ideas, and the struggles for democracy, while also considering the resistance and counter-revolutions that emerged in response. Through a detailed examination of these dynamic decades, the book offers insights into the forces that shaped the contemporary world.

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  3. 3. Nations And Nationalism Since 1780

    Programme, Myth, Reality

    This insightful work delves into the evolution and impact of nationalism from the late 18th century to the modern era, examining how nations and national identities have been constructed and transformed over time. It explores the socio-political and economic factors that have fueled nationalist movements and the role of nationalism in shaping global history. The book provides a critical analysis of the interplay between nationalism and other ideologies, such as liberalism and socialism, while also considering the implications of nationalism in the context of globalization and contemporary politics.

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  4. 4. The Invention Of Tradition

    This book delves into the concept of "invented traditions," exploring how many customs, rituals, and practices perceived as ancient are, in fact, modern creations designed to serve specific political, social, or cultural purposes. Through a series of case studies, it examines how these traditions are constructed and the roles they play in shaping national identities, reinforcing power structures, and fostering a sense of continuity and cohesion within societies. The work challenges the reader to reconsider the authenticity of what is often accepted as historical truth, revealing the dynamic interplay between tradition and modernity.

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  5. 5. The Age Of Empire, 1875–1914

    1875–1914

    This historical analysis delves into the transformative period between 1875 and 1914, exploring the intricate dynamics of imperialism, industrialization, and social change that shaped the modern world. The narrative examines the rise of global empires, the expansion of capitalist economies, and the profound impact of technological advancements on societies. It also highlights the tensions and contradictions of this era, including the struggles for power, the emergence of new social classes, and the cultural shifts that foreshadowed the tumultuous events of the 20th century. Through a comprehensive lens, it offers insights into the forces that defined an age of unprecedented growth and complexity.

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  6. 6. The Age Of Capital, 1848–1875

    This insightful historical analysis delves into the transformative period between 1848 and 1875, a time marked by rapid industrialization, economic expansion, and the consolidation of capitalist economies across Europe and beyond. It explores the profound social, political, and economic changes that reshaped societies, highlighting the rise of the bourgeoisie, the spread of industrial capitalism, and the impact of these shifts on global power dynamics. The narrative weaves together the threads of technological innovation, class struggles, and the burgeoning global market, offering a comprehensive understanding of how these forces laid the groundwork for the modern world.

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  7. 7. On History

    From the Rise of Capitalism to the Fall of Communism

    This insightful collection of essays delves into the intricate tapestry of historical analysis, exploring the methodologies and philosophies that shape our understanding of the past. The author examines the role of historians, the impact of social and economic forces on historical narratives, and the importance of context in interpreting events. Through a critical lens, the work challenges conventional perspectives and encourages readers to consider the dynamic interplay between history and society, ultimately offering a profound reflection on how history is constructed and its significance in shaping the present and future.

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  8. 8. A Era Do Império

    This book delves into the transformative period from 1875 to 1914, exploring the profound social, economic, and political changes that shaped the world leading up to World War I. It examines the rise of industrial capitalism, the expansion of empires, and the emergence of new social classes, while also highlighting the tensions and contradictions that accompanied these developments. Through a comprehensive analysis, the narrative provides insights into the forces that drove the era's rapid modernization and the global impact of these shifts on societies across continents.

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  9. 9. The Making Of The Modern World

    A sweeping, Marxist-informed survey of the social, economic and political transformations that produced modern industrial society, arguing that industrialization, capitalism, and class conflict reshaped everyday life, politics, culture and global relations; it traces the rise of the bourgeoisie and working class, the spread of nationalism and imperialism, and the cycles of reform, revolution and reaction that together forged contemporary institutions and persistent inequalities.

  10. 10. How To Change The World

    Reflections on Marx and Marxism

    A brisk, sympathetic yet critical account of the rise, influence, and contradictions of Marxism from its nineteenth‑century origins through the twentieth century, showing how its analysis of capitalism inspired mass movements, revolutions, intellectual currents, and state projects while also producing doctrinal disputes, authoritarian outcomes, and unfulfilled promises. Combining historical narrative and political analysis, it explains why Marxist ideas reshaped modern politics and culture and assesses both their emancipatory achievements and their tragic limits.

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  11. 11. The Nowhere Office

    A practical, research-informed argument for rethinking where and how office work happens, this book challenges the assumption that proximity equals productivity and lays out principles for designing work practices that prioritize results, attention, and human connection over mandated presence. It examines the benefits and pitfalls of remote and hybrid arrangements, explains how organizations can create fair, sustainable policies that support focus and collaboration, and offers concrete strategies for leaders and employees to rebuild trust, maintain culture, and protect deep work in a dispersed world.