Communal Luxury: The Political Imaginary of the Paris Commune

by Kristin Ross
Communal Luxury: The Political Imaginary of the Paris Commune cover
Good Books rating 4.23
History, Identity, Culture, Sociology
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  • ID: 9818
  • Added: 2026-01-03
  • Updated: 2026-01-05
  • ISBN: 9781784780548
  • Publisher: Verso Books
  • Published: 2016-11-22
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Kristin Ross's Communal Luxury delves into the thought and culture of the 1871 Paris Commune, highlighting its resonance with contemporary activism. The book explores how the Communards' struggles and ideas influenced figures like Marx, Kropotkin, and William Morris, and how their legacy continues to inspire modern movements for internationalism, education, labor rights, art, and ecological sustainability. This meticulously researched work brings to life the intricate workings of the Commune, showcasing it as a laboratory of political invention. Ross's analysis allows readers to understand the significance of the Commune's 'working existence' and its enduring impact on political thought and action.

Reviews
Critical Inquiry · Jasper Bernes · 2016-05-09
engaging 4.00

The book presents a bold and engaging exploration of the Paris Commune, drawing striking parallels with contemporary social movements. It challenges conventional historical narratives and offers a fresh perspective on communal living and political activism.

Jasper Bernes delves into Kristin Ross's work, highlighting its bold claim that the world of the Communards is closer to us than we might think. The book is praised for its engaging exploration of the Paris Commune, drawing striking parallels with contemporary social movements like the Occupy movement. Bernes appreciates how Ross challenges conventional historical narratives, offering a fresh perspective on communal living and political activism. The reviewer finds the book's interweaving of historical analysis with present-day concerns particularly compelling, making it a thought-provoking read for anyone interested in the intersections of history and contemporary politics.

Quick quotes

    Kristin Ross begins her new book on the Paris Commune with a bold claim: 'the world of the Communards is in fact much closer to us than is the world of our grandparents.'

    Ross's work is a brilliant and engaging exploration of the Paris Commune, drawing striking parallels with contemporary social movements.

    The book challenges conventional historical narratives, offering a fresh perspective on communal living and political activism.

Project MUSE · R Chrastil · 2016-01-01
insightful 4.20

The book loosely knits the notion of communal luxury to present concerns, notably the global Occupy movement and the search for environmental wholeness. It provides a fresh and insightful look at the Paris Commune and its intellectual antecedents.

R Chrastil praises Kristin Ross for her fresh and insightful look at the Paris Commune. The reviewer appreciates how Ross loosely knits the notion of communal luxury to present concerns, notably the global Occupy movement and the search for environmental wholeness. Chrastil finds the book's exploration of the Commune's intellectual antecedents particularly enlightening, offering a nuanced understanding of its historical and contemporary significance. The reviewer commends Ross for her ability to connect historical events with current social and political issues, making the book a valuable contribution to both historical and contemporary discourse.

Quick quotes

    Ross loosely knits the notion of communal luxury to present concerns, notably the global Occupy movement and the search for environmental wholeness.

    The book provides a fresh and insightful look at the Paris Commune and its intellectual antecedents.

    Ross's work offers a nuanced understanding of the Commune's historical and contemporary significance.

Europe Solidaire · Jane Shallice · 2015-09-04
inspirational 4.50

The book is a beautiful and inspirational account of the Paris Commune, focusing on the everyday lives of the communards. It offers a unique perspective on the Commune's legacy and its relevance to modern social movements.

Jane Shallice commends Kristin Ross for her beautiful and inspirational account of the Paris Commune. The book is noted for its focus on the everyday lives of the communards, providing a unique perspective on the Commune's legacy. Shallice appreciates how Ross highlights the relevance of the Commune to modern social movements, making the historical events feel immediate and impactful. The reviewer finds the book to be a compelling read that bridges the gap between historical analysis and contemporary activism, offering valuable insights for readers interested in social and political history.

Quick quotes

    Kristin Ross has written a beautiful, inspirational account of the life and afterlife of the Paris Commune and of the everyday communards who made it possible.

    The book offers a unique perspective on the Commune's legacy and its relevance to modern social movements.

    Ross's work is a compelling read that bridges the gap between historical analysis and contemporary activism.

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