1st Edition
Selected Writings of John A. Hobson 1932-1938 The Struggle for the International Mind
John A. Hobson is widely recognised as the most important British New Liberal thinker of politics and political economy of the twentieth century. The Selected Writings of John A. Hobson showcases an exciting and previously unpublished collection of Hobson's writings and lectures from 1932-1938 that Hobson presented at the South Place Ethical Society in the last decade of his life.
The lectures and the introduction produce a fresh reading of Hobson’s thinking and theorization of International Relations, thereby revealing a much more complex thinker than has conventionally been understood. Edited by Colin Tyler, a framing introduction written by the author’s great grandson, John M. Hobson situates these lectures in the context of his life-work on International Relations between 1897 and 1940.
Selected Writings of John A. Hobson 1932-1938 is an essential read for all Hobson scholars and students and scholars of globalization and political economy.
Biography
John M. Hobson is Professor of Politics and International Relations at the University of Sheffield and is the great grandson of J.A. Hobson. His books are: Everyday Politics of the World Economy (CUP, 2007, co-edited with Leonard Seabrooke), The Eastern Origins of Western Civilisation (CUP, 2004), Historical Sociology of International Relations (CUP, 2002, co-edited with Stephen Hobden), The State and International Relations (CUP, 2000), The Wealth of States (CUP, 1997), and, States and Economic Development (Polity, 1995, co-authored with Linda Weiss). He works at the interface of International Relations, World History/Historical Sociology and Political Economy.
Colin Tyler is Reader in Political Theory at the University of Hull. His latest book is Idealist Political Philosophy: Pluralism and conflict in the absolute idealist tradition (Thoemmes Continuum, 2006). He edited Unpublished Manuscripts in British Idealism: Political philosophy, theology and social thought, 2 vols (Thoemmes Continuum, 2005), and several other sets of British idealist writings. He works in the areas of idealism and the New Liberals, as well as critical global political economy.
‘J.A. Hobson was an influential New Liberal whose writings on international relations go far beyond a much criticised theory of imperialism. With an elegantly constructed introduction that is simultaneously a tribute and an analysis, this collection of previously unpublished and hard to find papers is an invaluable aid to understanding Hobson's modern outlook, highlighting heretofore under-appreciated internationalist themes.’ - David Long, Professor, Carleton University, Canada
‘This collection of some of J. A. Hobson's later writings makes accessible to scholars much new and exciting material. It confirms my belief that Hobson is one of the most important social and economic minds produced by twentieth-century Britain, and shows how he kept thinking well into old age.’ - Peter Cain, Professor, Sheffield Hallam University
‘This volume attests to the continuing vibrancy and versatility of the 1930s internationalist writings of J.A. Hobson, one of the most important 20th century liberal thinkers. Its elegant and inventive introductory essay, mirroring one of Hobson’s own works, combines a serious analysis of Hobson’s views with a delightful display of playful prose.’ - Michael Freeden, Professor of Politics, University of Oxford
