Book excerpt: This major new work by Professor Anthony D. Smith challenges thenotion of nationalism as a product of modernity. Major new work by a leading historical sociologist Challenges the prevailing idea of nationalism as a product ofmodernity Demonstrates that different political forms of community andcollective identity from pre-modern times have contributed to theformation and character of nations Analyzes the chronology and nature of nations, from the ancientworld, to the European Middle Ages, the early modern, and themodern eras Discusses alternative destinies facing modern nationstoday