Primitive Rebels: Studies in Archaic Forms of Social Movement in the 19th Century by E. J. Hobsbawm

Description

“Primitive Rebels: Studies in Archaic Forms of Social Movement in the 19th Century” is a book by the historian Eric J. Hobsbawm. Published in 1959, this work explores various social movements that emerged during the 19th century, focusing on what Hobsbawm refers to as “primitive rebels.” The term “primitive” here is not used in a derogatory sense but rather denotes movements that lacked a modern, industrial, or proletarian character.

Hobsbawm examines several case studies of social movements that fall outside the conventional narrative of organized, class-based struggles. The book covers movements such as the rural banditry in Southern Italy, the millenarian movements in rural areas, and the rebellions of peasants against landlords.

Key themes explored in “Primitive Rebels” include the social and economic context that gave rise to these movements, the role of culture and folklore, and the ways in which these movements expressed resistance to perceived injustices. Hobsbawm also discusses the challenges faced by these movements and their ultimate fate.

The book is part of Hobsbawm’s broader body of work, where he critically analyzes social and economic history with an emphasis on the role of popular movements and the agency of ordinary people. “Primitive Rebels” reflects Hobsbawm’s Marxist perspective and his interest in understanding the dynamics of social change from below.