Conscripts of Modernity

"For some time now, David Scott has been puzzling about where critical inquiry goes next. . . . In a radical expansion of [his] argument, his new book, Conscripts of Modernity proposes not that we give better answers to the old questions, but that the questions themselves are no longer relevant--because they belong to a different 'problem space' and need to be radically refashioned." - Stuart Hall, BOMB

“Conscripts of Modernity is a highly original and lucidly argued text, a major advance in David Scott’s effort to elaborate a new form of postcolonial criticism in the wake of the collapse of the emancipatory hopes embodied in the anticolonialist moment. Scott’s position will be found controversial by some. But it will not and cannot be ignored.” - Stuart Hall, Emeritus Professor of Sociology, The Open University

“Conscripts of Modernity is an important contribution to world knowledge. . . . And it should do much to displace the easy assumptions about temporality and power apparently so much a part of the academy’s horizon of possibility today.” - John F. Collins, Journal of Colonialism & Colonial History

“I derived immense pleasure from reading this book, a book that offers a challenging, insightful set of questions to postcolonial theory and to scholars of C. L. R. James.” - Sophie McCall , Topia

“Scott’s strikingly original argument about the need for a tragic mode of criticism in the postcolonial present is developed through a stunning critical reading of the foundational text in Atlantic studies. This is C.L.R. James’ The Black Jacobins.” - David Lambert, Cultural Geographies

“The lessons of the book are pertinent to anthropological writing as much as historical writing. . . . Although its focus on theory and history may be disconcerting to the general anthropological audience, Scott moves through his argument slowly, and the book’s novel and powerful theoretical approach make it well worth the effort. It is a significant achievement that contributes to the development of new analytical models fit for a postcolonial world.” - Emma Kowal, Oceania

"[R]eaders… will find it a provocative and insightful challenge for postcolonial studies of the Caribbean and other world regions…. Conscripts of Modernity marks a significant step forward in the project of exploring critical histories of the postcolonial present in the Caribbean and around the globe." - Jacob Campbell , Transforming Anthropology

"This book is fascinating, and I recommend it highly. . . . Tremendously thought-provoking and relevant." - Danny Postel, Open Democracy

"This is a well-argued, rich book raising pertinent questions about the writing of history. . . . Historians interested in the postcolonial era should take note of this important study." - Rosemarijn Hoeft , American Historical Review