Peasants, Capitalism, and the Work of Eric R. Wolf

Fifty years after the publication of Eric Wolf’s celebrated Peasant Wars of the Twentieth Century, this book offers a much-needed critical assessment and update of Wolf’s contribution to the study of the peasantry.

"Building on Eric Wolf’s critical peasant studies, this book traces global capitalism’s tectonic dynamics, arguing that much ‘progressivism’ only helps to dampen tensions in the Global North, while the real fault line is the superexploitation of nature and underclasses in the Global South. A must-read for academic progressives who take their ideals seriously, and for all curious about the potential of unorthodox Marxist thought."

Niek Koning , emeritus Wageningen University

"Drawing on the classical work by Eric Wolf the authors critically discuss and update his oeuvre with due regard to the changes over the last half century. They undertake this task from a rigorous Marxian approach which takes account not only of class, power and exploitation but also of ecology, gender, ethnicity and race. This book has the making of a new classic in critical agrarian studies."

Cristóbal Kay , Emeritus Professor, International Institute of Social Studies, The Hague

"The authors critically revalue Eric Wolf’s Peasant Wars of the Twentieth Century . A sophisticated book for those who have read and not read Wolf’s classic work. The book shines in particular when it elaborates on Wolf’s theoretical groundwork in Europe and the People Without History ."

Kees Jansen , Rural Sociology Group, Wageningen University

Mark Tilzey is an Associate Professor, Centre for Agroecology, Water and Resilience, Coventry University, UK.

Fraser Sugden is an Associate Professor, Department of Geography, University of Birmingham, UK.

David Seddon is a former Professor of Politics and Sociology, Department of Development Studies, University of East Anglia, UK.