The State and the Tributary Mode of Production by John Haldon (English) Paperbac

The Nile on eBay   The State and the Tributary Mode of Production by John Haldon

In this critique of both traditional and Marxist notions of feudalism and of the pre-capitalist state, John Haldon considers the configuration of state and social relations in medieval Europe and Mughal India, as well as in Byzantium and the Ottoman Empire.

FORMATPaperback LANGUAGEEnglish CONDITIONBrand New Publisher Description

In this groundbreaking critique of both traditional and Marxist notions of feudalism and of the pre-capitalist state, John Haldon considers the configuration of state and social relations in medieval Europe and Mughal India as well as in Byzantium and the Ottoman Empire. He argues that a Marxist reading of the pre-capitalist state can take account of the autonomy of power relations and avoid economic reductionism while still focusing on the forms of tribute which sustained the ruling power. Haldon explores the conflicts to which these gave rise and shows the Ottoman state elite, often held to be a clear example of independence from underlying social relations, to be deeply enmeshed in economic relationships and the extraction of tribute.Haldon argues that feudalism was the specifically European form of a much more widely diffused tributary mode, whose characteristic social relations and structural constraints can be seen at work in the Byzantine, Ottoman and Mughal empires as well. While acknowledging the range of ideological and cultural variation within and between these examples of the tributary mode, Haldon denies the thesis that such "superstructural" variations themselves yielded fundamentally contrasting social relations.

Author Biography

John Haldon is Professor of Byzantine History and Hellenic Studies at the University of Princeton. He is the author of Byzantine Praetorians, Byzantium in the Seventh Century and (in Greek) Marxism and Historiography.

Review

A powerful new challenge to recent major works of historical sociology by Michael Mann and W.G. Runciman, which aims to reinstate Marxist theory as the basis for a productive, specifically historical, synthesis. -- Chris Wickham

Promotional

A new interpretation of feudalism and other pre-capitalist frameworks

Long Description

In this groundbreaking critique of both traditional and Marxist notions of feudalism and of the pre-capitalist state, John Haldon considers the configuration of state and social relations in medieval Europe and Mughal India as well as in Byzantium and the Ottoman Empire. He argues that a Marxist reading of the pre-capitalist state can take account of the autonomy of power relations and avoid economic reductionism while still focusing on the forms of tribute which sustained the ruling power. Haldon explores the conflicts to which these gave rise and shows the Ottoman state elite, often held to be a clear example of independence from underlying social relations, to be deeply enmeshed in economic relationships and the extraction of tribute. Haldon argues that feudalism was the specifically European form of a much more widely diffused tributary mode, whose characteristic social relations and structural constraints can be seen at work in the Byzantine, Ottoman and Mughal empires as well. While acknowledging the range of ideological and cultural variation within and between these examples of the tributary mode, Haldon denies the thesis that such .superstructural. variations themselves yielded fundamentally contrasting social relations.

Review Quote

"A powerful new challenge to recent major works of historical sociology by Michael Mann and W.G. Runciman, which aims to reinstate Marxist theory as the basis for a productive, specifically historical, synthesis."-Chris Wickham

Details ISBN0860916618 Short Title STATE & THE TRIBUTARY MODE OF Language English ISBN-10 0860916618 ISBN-13 9780860916611 Media Book Format Paperback Imprint Verso Books Place of Publication London Country of Publication United Kingdom Illustrations black & white illustrations DOI 10.1604/9780860916611 AU Release Date 1994-03-17 NZ Release Date 1994-03-17 UK Release Date 1994-03-17 Author John Haldon Pages 350 Publisher Verso Books Year 1994 Publication Date 1994-03-17 DEWEY 320.101 Audience Undergraduate We've got this

At The Nile, if you're looking for it, we've got it.With fast shipping, low prices, friendly service and well over a million items - you're bound to find what you want, at a price you'll love!

TheNile_Item_ID:21699746;