Republics of Knowledge: Nations of the Future in Latin America
An enlightening account of the entwined histories of knowledge and nationhood in Latin America—and beyond

The rise of nation-states is a hallmark of the modern age, yet we are still untangling how the phenomenon unfolded across the globe. Here, Nicola Miller offers new insights into the process of nation-making through an account of nineteenth-century Latin America, where, she argues, the identity of nascent republics was molded through previously underappreciated means: the creation and sharing of knowledge.

Drawing evidence from Argentina, Chile, and Peru, Republics of Knowledge traces the histories of these countries from the early 1800s, as they gained independence, to their centennial celebrations in the twentieth century. Miller identifies how public exchange of ideas affected policymaking, the emergence of a collective identity, and more. She finds that instead of defining themselves through language or culture, these new nations united citizens under the promise of widespread access to modern information. Miller challenges the narrative that modernization was a strictly North Atlantic affair, demonstrating that knowledge traveled both ways between Latin America and Europe. And she looks at how certain forms of knowledge came to be seen as more legitimate and valuable than others, both locally and globally. Miller ultimately suggests that all modern nations can be viewed as communities of shared knowledge, a perspective with the power to reshape our conception of the very basis of nationhood.

With its transnational framework and cross-disciplinary approach, Republics of Knowledge opens new avenues for understanding the histories of modern nations—and the foundations of modernity—the world over.

1136580248
Republics of Knowledge: Nations of the Future in Latin America
An enlightening account of the entwined histories of knowledge and nationhood in Latin America—and beyond

The rise of nation-states is a hallmark of the modern age, yet we are still untangling how the phenomenon unfolded across the globe. Here, Nicola Miller offers new insights into the process of nation-making through an account of nineteenth-century Latin America, where, she argues, the identity of nascent republics was molded through previously underappreciated means: the creation and sharing of knowledge.

Drawing evidence from Argentina, Chile, and Peru, Republics of Knowledge traces the histories of these countries from the early 1800s, as they gained independence, to their centennial celebrations in the twentieth century. Miller identifies how public exchange of ideas affected policymaking, the emergence of a collective identity, and more. She finds that instead of defining themselves through language or culture, these new nations united citizens under the promise of widespread access to modern information. Miller challenges the narrative that modernization was a strictly North Atlantic affair, demonstrating that knowledge traveled both ways between Latin America and Europe. And she looks at how certain forms of knowledge came to be seen as more legitimate and valuable than others, both locally and globally. Miller ultimately suggests that all modern nations can be viewed as communities of shared knowledge, a perspective with the power to reshape our conception of the very basis of nationhood.

With its transnational framework and cross-disciplinary approach, Republics of Knowledge opens new avenues for understanding the histories of modern nations—and the foundations of modernity—the world over.

29.95 Pre Order
Republics of Knowledge: Nations of the Future in Latin America

Republics of Knowledge: Nations of the Future in Latin America

by Nicola Miller
Republics of Knowledge: Nations of the Future in Latin America

Republics of Knowledge: Nations of the Future in Latin America

by Nicola Miller

Paperback

$29.95 
  • SHIP THIS ITEM
    Qualifies for Free Shipping
    Available for Pre-Order. This item will be released on February 18, 2025

Related collections and offers


Overview

An enlightening account of the entwined histories of knowledge and nationhood in Latin America—and beyond

The rise of nation-states is a hallmark of the modern age, yet we are still untangling how the phenomenon unfolded across the globe. Here, Nicola Miller offers new insights into the process of nation-making through an account of nineteenth-century Latin America, where, she argues, the identity of nascent republics was molded through previously underappreciated means: the creation and sharing of knowledge.

Drawing evidence from Argentina, Chile, and Peru, Republics of Knowledge traces the histories of these countries from the early 1800s, as they gained independence, to their centennial celebrations in the twentieth century. Miller identifies how public exchange of ideas affected policymaking, the emergence of a collective identity, and more. She finds that instead of defining themselves through language or culture, these new nations united citizens under the promise of widespread access to modern information. Miller challenges the narrative that modernization was a strictly North Atlantic affair, demonstrating that knowledge traveled both ways between Latin America and Europe. And she looks at how certain forms of knowledge came to be seen as more legitimate and valuable than others, both locally and globally. Miller ultimately suggests that all modern nations can be viewed as communities of shared knowledge, a perspective with the power to reshape our conception of the very basis of nationhood.

With its transnational framework and cross-disciplinary approach, Republics of Knowledge opens new avenues for understanding the histories of modern nations—and the foundations of modernity—the world over.


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780691271347
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Publication date: 02/18/2025
Pages: 320
Product dimensions: 6.12(w) x 9.25(h) x (d)

About the Author

Nicola Miller is professor of Latin American history at University College London. Her books include Reinventing Modernity in Latin America: Intellectuals Imagine the Future, 1900–1930 and In the Shadow of the State: Intellectuals and the Quest for National Identity in Twentieth-Century Spanish America.

Table of Contents

Maps vii

Introduction 1

Part I Landscapes of Knowledge

1 Public Libraries, Modern Nations 15

2 Repertoires of Knowledge 39

3 Writing in the Dark: A Market for Knowledge 59

4 Knowledge Brokers: How Drawing Teachers Made Nations Possible 82

5 Touchstones of Knowledge 101

Part II Knowledge For Nation-Making

6 Languages: Universal, National and Regional 121

7 Land and Territory: Making Natural Nations 142

8 Not the 'Dismal Science' but the 'Lifeless' One: Critiques of Classical Political Economy in Latin America 164

9 Infrastructure: Engineering Sovereignty 181

10 Education for Citizenship: Beyond Morality and Patriotism 198

Conclusion 218

Acknowledgements 233

Notes 235

Select Bibliography 289

Index 295

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

Republics of Knowledge is outstanding. One of the strengths of this clear and accessible book is Miller’s interest in important issues that have dropped into the gaps between disciplines. A distinguished contribution to the field.”—Peter Burke, author of A Social History of Knowledge

“Engagingly written, this thought-provoking book will appeal to a wide range of readers interested in the histories of science, knowledge, art, education, economic thought, and national identity. A deeply insightful and impressive book.”—Teresa Cribelli, author of Industrial Forests and Mechanical Marvels: Modernization in Nineteenth-Century Brazil

From the B&N Reads Blog

Customer Reviews