General Chat

I've just read that this gentleman has recently died. He had extremely Marxist views - a very interesting man by all accounts.

From Wiki
Eric John Ernest Hobsbawm, CH, FBA, FRSL (9 June 1917 – 1 October 2012) was a British Marxist historian of the rise of industrial capitalism, socialism, and nationalism. His best-known works include his trilogy about the long 19th century (The Age of Revolution: Europe 1789–1848, The Age of Capital: 1848–1875; The Age of Empire: 1875–1914), The Age of Extremes on the short 20th century, and an edited volume which introduced the influential idea of "invented traditions".

Hobsbawm was President of Birkbeck, University of London for ten years until his death.

Reacting to news of Hobsbawm's death, Ed Miliband called him "an extraordinary historian, a man passionate about his politics. He brought history out of the ivory tower and into people's lives."

Perhaps a man after your own heart, John.

I have read many of Eric Hobsbawn's publications, and have three of them in my bookcase now.
And for once, and for hopefully the one and only time, I agree with Ed Miliband.
Julia in Derbyshire

I don't know a great deal about him but I believe he was a very influential person. I would be interested in finding out more about him and his passion for history and politics, Julia. Perhaps you could tell me the titles of some of his publications.

Morning SueMaid. They are the ones as mentioned in the post above by John.
I found them invaluable whilst studying for 'A' Level History, only a few years ago, as a Mature Student. Marvelous reading.

Julia in Derbyshire

SueMaid When I studied politics over 40 years ago the 3 set works were "The Communist Manifesto". John Stuart Mill. and Burke.

I found it very difficult to read Marx and Engels and thought it too idealistic. And Burke (high Tory) was what was on the label. But I loved the "Liberal" tradition most. I would be a Gladstone and Attlee man, if push came to shove.

Very difficult to apply pure political libertarian views today because no major party really reflects those core values IMHO. :-D

Hobsbawm has clearly had a lot of influence - particularly through his writings and his roles at Birkbeck. Never heard of him before you posted.

Really John? I'm really surprised you haven't heard of him. I will hunt out his book "Industry and Empire".

Thank you Julia :-)

You would find Thomas Paine of interest too I should imagine - a true political revolutionary. Very interesting views although I may not agree with them.

Sue Never been into communism at all, I'm afraid. Never seen anywhere it works in practice.

I think early Christianity was quite close to communism in that everybody shared what they had. But that was not what St Paul was seeing even 30 years later.

Constant attempts to have communes, but they all seem to fall apart once leader has departed. So perhaps mankind does not deserve communism.

Never read the Daily Star. Had no idea the father of the Millimetres (Ed and David) was a Communist. Or Denis Healy when young.

Think I did read "Rights of Man" by Thomas Paine in student days. That was a classic founding text of the Labour movement, I think. That was teh other writer I could understand apart from John Stuart Mill.

I like to think that deep down I am caring and a socialist in the widest meaning of that. Quite deep discussion for chat thread. How did you know Hobsbawn?

I was having a conversation with a friend who mentioned Hobsbawm and I'd heard of him even here in the Colonies. I didn't know he had died at the beginning of this month.

Is socialism and communism the same? I wouldn't think so although pure socialism and pure communism tend to be idealistic.

I think you have said you have no qualifications and are self educated (probably wrong there). But you obviously have a considerable amount of wide knowledge (and wonderful too :-D)

I wondered if you had studied at Birkbeck. Even as a distant learner. It has an excellent reputation. I tried to do a part time MA back in 1970's there, and was rejected. Very disappointed at time, but would never have coped as my Tesco career was beginning to fly and soon I had no spare time at all. :-(

No I didn't say that except in jest on my "wonderful" thread. I do have qualifications and I am not self educated other than what I've learned by reading and listening. It's highly unlikely I would study at Birkbeck when we have good universities and adult education schemes here in Australia.

I have to say - I don't like being patronised.

SueMaid, I did not buy Hobsbawn because he was recommended reading for my course, more that he was often quoted in the books I was reading. So, when I saw them on offer as a set, I bought them for myself, and very interesting reading they made.
I read them for what they are, nothing to do with politics.
Hope you enjoy reading him, if you get a chance.

Julia in Derbyshire