Overview

Full Product Details

9780765803665

Table of Contents

Reviews

<p> In arguing that brutal absolutist proto-totalitarian states--such as 14th-16th century France--emerge to quell social disorder, Dmitry Shlapentokh challenges three regnant schools of thought--that states are the product of elite design or war, that totalitarianism is the product of ideology or discourse, and that totalitarian states can only be modern entities. An iconoclast's delight and a major contribution to the theory of state formation. ---Alexander J. Motyl, Professor of Political Science, Rutgers University-Newark <p> Dmitry Shlapentokh has presented an arresting alternative to standard views of the modern state. Rejecting theories which view ideology as central in the expansion of government, and developing a line of thought that owes much to Hobbes, he argues that the growth of state power in early modern times and in contemporary contexts can be understood as a defense against asocial processes of anarchic violence. A forceful challenge to conventional wisdom, the Proto-Totalitarian State should be read closely by historians, political theorists and anyone interested in the nature of power. ---John Gray, Professor of European thought, London School of Economics <p> This is a fascinating book. It not only provides an excellent survey of the tools at the disposal of the state to be used against asocial behavior, such as death penalty, the rise of the police force, education and repression against what Shlapentokh calls vagabonds, but he does it with his enormous erudition and knowledge of his topic. ---Andrzej Korbonski, Professor, Department of Political Science, UCLA

-In arguing that 'brutal absolutist' proto-totalitarian states--such as 14th-16th century France--emerge to quell social disorder, Dmitry Shlapentokh challenges three regnant schools of thought--that states are the product of elite design or war, that totalitarianism is the product of ideology or discourse, and that totalitarian states can only be modern entities. An iconoclast's delight and a major contribution to the theory of state formation.- --Alexander J. Motyl, Rutgers University- Newark -Dmitry Shalpentokh has presented an arresting alternative to standard views of the modern state. Rejecting theories which view ideology as central in the expansion of government, and developing a line of thought that owes much to Hobbes, he argues that the growth of state power in early times and in contemporary contexts can be understood as a defense against asocial processes of anarchic violence. A forceful challenge to conventional wisdom, The Proto-Totalitarian State should be read closely by historians, political theorists and anyone interested in the nature of power. --John Gray, London School of Economics -This is a fascinating book. It not only provides an excellent survey of the tools at the disposal of the state to be used against asocial behavior, such as death penalty, the rise of the police force, education and repression against what Shlapentokh calls 'vagabonds, ' but he does it with his enormous erudition and knowledge of his topic.- --Andrzej Korbonski, UCLA

In arguing that 'brutal absolutist' proto-totalitarian states--such as 14th-16th century France--emerge to quell social disorder, Dmitry Shlapentokh challenges three regnant schools of thought--that states are the product of elite design or war, that totalitarianism is the product of ideology or discourse, and that totalitarian states can only be modern entities. An iconoclast's delight and a major contribution to the theory of state formation. --Alexander J. Motyl, Rutgers University- Newark Dmitry Shalpentokh has presented an arresting alternative to standard views of the modern state. Rejecting theories which view ideology as central in the expansion of government, and developing a line of thought that owes much to Hobbes, he argues that the growth of state power in early times and in contemporary contexts can be understood as a defense against asocial processes of anarchic violence. A forceful challenge to conventional wisdom, The Proto-Totalitarian State should be read closely by historians, political theorists and anyone interested in the nature of power. --John Gray, London School of Economics This is a fascinating book. It not only provides an excellent survey of the tools at the disposal of the state to be used against asocial behavior, such as death penalty, the rise of the police force, education and repression against what Shlapentokh calls 'vagabonds, ' but he does it with his enormous erudition and knowledge of his topic. --Andrzej Korbonski, UCLA

-In arguing that -brutal absolutist- proto-totalitarian states--such as 14th-16th century France--emerge to quell social disorder, Dmitry Shlapentokh challenges three regnant schools of thought--that states are the product of elite design or war, that totalitarianism is the product of ideology or discourse, and that totalitarian states can only be modern entities. An iconoclast's delight and a major contribution to the theory of state formation.- --Alexander J. Motyl, Professor of Political Science, Rutgers University-Newark -Dmitry Shlapentokh has presented an arresting alternative to standard views of the modern state. Rejecting theories which view ideology as central in the expansion of government, and developing a line of thought that owes much to Hobbes, he argues that the growth of state power in early modern times and in contemporary contexts can be understood as a defense against asocial processes of anarchic violence. A forceful challenge to conventional wisdom, the Proto-Totalitarian State should be read closely by historians, political theorists and anyone interested in the nature of power.- --John Gray, Professor of European thought, London School of Economics -This is a fascinating book. It not only provides an excellent survey of the tools at the disposal of the state to be used against asocial behavior, such as death penalty, the rise of the police force, education and repression against what Shlapentokh calls -vagabonds,- but he does it with his enormous erudition and knowledge of his topic.- --Andrzej Korbonski, Professor, Department of Political Science, UCLA -In arguing that 'brutal absolutist' proto-totalitarian states--such as 14th-16th century France--emerge to quell social disorder, Dmitry Shlapentokh challenges three regnant schools of thought--that states are the product of elite design or war, that totalitarianism is the product of ideology or discourse, and that totalitarian states can only be modern entities. An iconoclast's delight and a major contribution to the theory of state formation.- --Alexander J. Motyl, Rutgers University- Newark -Dmitry Shalpentokh has presented an arresting alternative to standard views of the modern state. Rejecting theories which view ideology as central in the expansion of government, and developing a line of thought that owes much to Hobbes, he argues that the growth of state power in early times and in contemporary contexts can be understood as a defense against asocial processes of anarchic violence. A forceful challenge to conventional wisdom, The Proto-Totalitarian State should be read closely by historians, political theorists and anyone interested in the nature of power. --John Gray, London School of Economics -This is a fascinating book. It not only provides an excellent survey of the tools at the disposal of the state to be used against asocial behavior, such as death penalty, the rise of the police force, education and repression against what Shlapentokh calls 'vagabonds, ' but he does it with his enormous erudition and knowledge of his topic.- --Andrzej Korbonski, UCLA In arguing that 'brutal absolutist' proto-totalitarian states--such as 14th-16th century France--emerge to quell social disorder, Dmitry Shlapentokh challenges three regnant schools of thought--that states are the product of elite design or war, that totalitarianism is the product of ideology or discourse, and that totalitarian states can only be modern entities. An iconoclast's delight and a major contribution to the theory of state formation. --Alexander J. Motyl, Rutgers University- Newark Dmitry Shalpentokh has presented an arresting alternative to standard views of the modern state. Rejecting theories which view ideology as central in the expansion of government, and developing a line of thought that owes much to Hobbes, he argues that the growth of state power in early times and in contemporary contexts can be understood as a defense against asocial processes of anarchic violence. A forceful challenge to conventional wisdom, The Proto-Totalitarian State should be read closely by historians, political theorists and anyone interested in the nature of power. --John Gray, London School of Economics This is a fascinating book. It not only provides an excellent survey of the tools at the disposal of the state to be used against asocial behavior, such as death penalty, the rise of the police force, education and repression against what Shlapentokh calls 'vagabonds, ' but he does it with his enormous erudition and knowledge of his topic. --Andrzej Korbonski, UCLA In arguing that brutal absolutist proto-totalitarian states--such as 14th-16th century France--emerge to quell social disorder, Dmitry Shlapentokh challenges three regnant schools of thought--that states are the product of elite design or war, that totalitarianism is the product of ideology or discourse, and that totalitarian states can only be modern entities. An iconoclast's delight and a major contribution to the theory of state formation. --Alexander J. Motyl, Professor of Political Science, Rutgers University-Newark Dmitry Shlapentokh has presented an arresting alternative to standard views of the modern state. Rejecting theories which view ideology as central in the expansion of government, and developing a line of thought that owes much to Hobbes, he argues that the growth of state power in early modern times and in contemporary contexts can be understood as a defense against asocial processes of anarchic violence. A forceful challenge to conventional wisdom, the Proto-Totalitarian State should be read closely by historians, political theorists and anyone interested in the nature of power. --John Gray, Professor of European thought, London School of Economics This is a fascinating book. It not only provides an excellent survey of the tools at the disposal of the state to be used against asocial behavior, such as death penalty, the rise of the police force, education and repression against what Shlapentokh calls vagabonds, but he does it with his enormous erudition and knowledge of his topic. --Andrzej Korbonski, Professor, Department of Political Science, UCLA In arguing that 'brutal absolutist' proto-totalitarian states--such as 14th-16th century France--emerge to quell social disorder, Dmitry Shlapentokh challenges three regnant schools of thought--that states are the product of elite design or war, that totalitarianism is the product of ideology or discourse, and that totalitarian states can only be modern entities. An iconoclast's delight and a major contribution to the theory of state formation. --Alexander J. Motyl, Rutgers University- Newark Dmitry Shalpentokh has presented an arresting alternative to standard views of the modern state. Rejecting theories which view ideology as central in the expansion of government, and developing a line of thought that owes much to Hobbes, he argues that the growth of state power in early times and in contemporary contexts can be understood as a defense against asocial processes of anarchic violence. A forceful challenge to conventional wisdom, The Proto-Totalitarian State should be read closely by historians, political theorists and anyone interested in the nature of power. --John Gray, London School of Economics This is a fascinating book. It not only provides an excellent survey of the tools at the disposal of the state to be used against asocial behavior, such as death penalty, the rise of the police force, education and repression against what Shlapentokh calls 'vagabonds, ' but he does it with his enormous erudition and knowledge of his topic. --Andrzej Korbonski, UCLA In arguing that brutal absolutist proto-totalitarian states--such as 14th-16th century France--emerge to quell social disorder, Dmitry Shlapentokh challenges three regnant schools of thought--that states are the product of elite design or war, that totalitarianism is the product of ideology or discourse, and that totalitarian states can only be modern entities. An iconoclast's delight and a major contribution to the theory of state formation. --Alexander J. Motyl, Professor of Political Science, Rutgers University-Newark Dmitry Shlapentokh has presented an arresting alternative to standard views of the modern state. Rejecting theories which view ideology as central in the expansion of government, and developing a line of thought that owes much to Hobbes, he argues that the growth of state power in early modern times and in contemporary contexts can be understood as a defense against asocial processes of anarchic violence. A forceful challenge to conventional wisdom, the Proto-Totalitarian State should be read closely by historians, political theorists and anyone interested in the nature of power. --John Gray, Professor of European thought, London School of Economics This is a fascinating book. It not only provides an excellent survey of the tools at the disposal of the state to be used against asocial behavior, such as death penalty, the rise of the police force, education and repression against what Shlapentokh calls vagabonds, but he does it with his enormous erudition and knowledge of his topic. --Andrzej Korbonski, Professor, Department of Political Science, UCLA

-In arguing that 'brutal absolutist' proto-totalitarian states--such as 14th-16th century France--emerge to quell social disorder, Dmitry Shlapentokh challenges three regnant schools of thought--that states are the product of elite design or war, that totalitarianism is the product of ideology or discourse, and that totalitarian states can only be modern entities. An iconoclast's delight and a major contribution to the theory of state formation.- --Alexander J. Motyl, Rutgers University- Newark -Dmitry Shalpentokh has presented an arresting alternative to standard views of the modern state. Rejecting theories which view ideology as central in the expansion of government, and developing a line of thought that owes much to Hobbes, he argues that the growth of state power in early times and in contemporary contexts can be understood as a defense against asocial processes of anarchic violence. A forceful challenge to conventional wisdom, The Proto-Totalitarian State should be read closely by historians, political theorists and anyone interested in the nature of power. --John Gray, London School of Economics -This is a fascinating book. It not only provides an excellent survey of the tools at the disposal of the state to be used against asocial behavior, such as death penalty, the rise of the police force, education and repression against what Shlapentokh calls 'vagabonds, ' but he does it with his enormous erudition and knowledge of his topic.- --Andrzej Korbonski, UCLA -In arguing that -brutal absolutist- proto-totalitarian states--such as 14th-16th century France--emerge to quell social disorder, Dmitry Shlapentokh challenges three regnant schools of thought--that states are the product of elite design or war, that totalitarianism is the product of ideology or discourse, and that totalitarian states can only be modern entities. An iconoclast's delight and a major contribution to the theory of state formation.- --Alexander J. Motyl, Professor of Political Science, Rutgers University-Newark -Dmitry Shlapentokh has presented an arresting alternative to standard views of the modern state. Rejecting theories which view ideology as central in the expansion of government, and developing a line of thought that owes much to Hobbes, he argues that the growth of state power in early modern times and in contemporary contexts can be understood as a defense against asocial processes of anarchic violence. A forceful challenge to conventional wisdom, the Proto-Totalitarian State should be read closely by historians, political theorists and anyone interested in the nature of power.- --John Gray, Professor of European thought, London School of Economics -This is a fascinating book. It not only provides an excellent survey of the tools at the disposal of the state to be used against asocial behavior, such as death penalty, the rise of the police force, education and repression against what Shlapentokh calls -vagabonds,- but he does it with his enormous erudition and knowledge of his topic.- --Andrzej Korbonski, Professor, Department of Political Science, UCLA In arguing that 'brutal absolutist' proto-totalitarian states--such as 14th-16th century France--emerge to quell social disorder, Dmitry Shlapentokh challenges three regnant schools of thought--that states are the product of elite design or war, that totalitarianism is the product of ideology or discourse, and that totalitarian states can only be modern entities. An iconoclast's delight and a major contribution to the theory of state formation. --Alexander J. Motyl, Rutgers University- Newark Dmitry Shalpentokh has presented an arresting alternative to standard views of the modern state. Rejecting theories which view ideology as central in the expansion of government, and developing a line of thought that owes much to Hobbes, he argues that the growth of state power in early times and in contemporary contexts can be understood as a defense against asocial processes of anarchic violence. A forceful challenge to conventional wisdom, The Proto-Totalitarian State should be read closely by historians, political theorists and anyone interested in the nature of power. --John Gray, London School of Economics This is a fascinating book. It not only provides an excellent survey of the tools at the disposal of the state to be used against asocial behavior, such as death penalty, the rise of the police force, education and repression against what Shlapentokh calls 'vagabonds, ' but he does it with his enormous erudition and knowledge of his topic. --Andrzej Korbonski, UCLA In arguing that brutal absolutist proto-totalitarian states--such as 14th-16th century France--emerge to quell social disorder, Dmitry Shlapentokh challenges three regnant schools of thought--that states are the product of elite design or war, that totalitarianism is the product of ideology or discourse, and that totalitarian states can only be modern entities. An iconoclast's delight and a major contribution to the theory of state formation. --Alexander J. Motyl, Professor of Political Science, Rutgers University-Newark Dmitry Shlapentokh has presented an arresting alternative to standard views of the modern state. Rejecting theories which view ideology as central in the expansion of government, and developing a line of thought that owes much to Hobbes, he argues that the growth of state power in early modern times and in contemporary contexts can be understood as a defense against asocial processes of anarchic violence. A forceful challenge to conventional wisdom, the Proto-Totalitarian State should be read closely by historians, political theorists and anyone interested in the nature of power. --John Gray, Professor of European thought, London School of Economics This is a fascinating book. It not only provides an excellent survey of the tools at the disposal of the state to be used against asocial behavior, such as death penalty, the rise of the police force, education and repression against what Shlapentokh calls vagabonds, but he does it with his enormous erudition and knowledge of his topic. --Andrzej Korbonski, Professor, Department of Political Science, UCLA In arguing that 'brutal absolutist' proto-totalitarian states--such as 14th-16th century France--emerge to quell social disorder, Dmitry Shlapentokh challenges three regnant schools of thought--that states are the product of elite design or war, that totalitarianism is the product of ideology or discourse, and that totalitarian states can only be modern entities. An iconoclast's delight and a major contribution to the theory of state formation. --Alexander J. Motyl, Rutgers University- Newark Dmitry Shalpentokh has presented an arresting alternative to standard views of the modern state. Rejecting theories which view ideology as central in the expansion of government, and developing a line of thought that owes much to Hobbes, he argues that the growth of state power in early times and in contemporary contexts can be understood as a defense against asocial processes of anarchic violence. A forceful challenge to conventional wisdom, The Proto-Totalitarian State should be read closely by historians, political theorists and anyone interested in the nature of power. --John Gray, London School of Economics This is a fascinating book. It not only provides an excellent survey of the tools at the disposal of the state to be used against asocial behavior, such as death penalty, the rise of the police force, education and repression against what Shlapentokh calls 'vagabonds, ' but he does it with his enormous erudition and knowledge of his topic. --Andrzej Korbonski, UCLA In arguing that brutal absolutist proto-totalitarian states--such as 14th-16th century France--emerge to quell social disorder, Dmitry Shlapentokh challenges three regnant schools of thought--that states are the product of elite design or war, that totalitarianism is the product of ideology or discourse, and that totalitarian states can only be modern entities. An iconoclast's delight and a major contribution to the theory of state formation. --Alexander J. Motyl, Professor of Political Science, Rutgers University-Newark Dmitry Shlapentokh has presented an arresting alternative to standard views of the modern state. Rejecting theories which view ideology as central in the expansion of government, and developing a line of thought that owes much to Hobbes, he argues that the growth of state power in early modern times and in contemporary contexts can be understood as a defense against asocial processes of anarchic violence. A forceful challenge to conventional wisdom, the Proto-Totalitarian State should be read closely by historians, political theorists and anyone interested in the nature of power. --John Gray, Professor of European thought, London School of Economics This is a fascinating book. It not only provides an excellent survey of the tools at the disposal of the state to be used against asocial behavior, such as death penalty, the rise of the police force, education and repression against what Shlapentokh calls vagabonds, but he does it with his enormous erudition and knowledge of his topic. --Andrzej Korbonski, Professor, Department of Political Science, UCLA

Author Information

Dmitry Shlapentokh is associate professor of history in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Indiana, South Bend. Among his books are The French Revolution and the Russian Anti-Democratic Tradition: A Case of False Consciousness (available from Transaction), The French Revolution in Russian Intellectual Life, 1865-1905, Soviet Cinematography, 1918-1991 (with Vladimir Shlapentokh), and East Against West, The First Encounter: The Life of Themistocles.

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available