> ... the UK socialist history journal, History Workshop Journal, scored
>Williams and E.P. Thompson for their alleged, "populism, nationalism,
>culturalism, and historicism, " (Althusserian buzz words for bad), Williams
>is quite cutting on Orwell for his "little England" sentiments and
>nationalism. Hope people still read, Williams, btw.
I was a proud student of culture whilst the likes of Thompson and Williams ruled that roost. I've effectively abandoned hip, since - having to remake myself as a fledgeling 'political economist' to stay true to that cultural materialist kernel.
And yeah, Williams was wonderful on Orwell and his Pommishly genteel little contradictions - nails him beautifully. A rusted-on Orwell fan, I didn't enjoy it at first - but Williams' little book is so good I ended up loving both blokes. Lefties gotta learn to appreciate flawed fellow travellers a little more, I reckon, as they're the only ones we'll ever have.
Cheers, Rob.