Friday, October 24, 2008

Thompson and the electronic commons

English historian, political activist and poet EP Thompson grew up in the era of massive, rickety, rackety typewriters, and in his old age he always refused to buy a computer, even when most of his fellow researchers and writers had discovered the benefits of the new-fangled devices.

Thompson's distaste for computers, and the small fact that he died in Septmber 1993, made me somewhat surprised to discover that the great historian has launched a My Space page. Perhaps, though, Thompson sees the internet as a new, electronic version of the commons that he celebrated in many of his histories? Perhaps his spirit is drawn toward the unfenced expanses of My Space and the blogosphere?

In his My Space profile, Edward names John Sayles' Matewan as his favourite film, and gives the thumbs up to Bill Direen when he proclaims that he 'likes folk music from everywhere'. Edward gives his martial status as 'single', which might not please Dorothy.

I'm very pleased to see that Edward links to one of my blog posts - it became a thesis chapter - at the top of his page. It's nice to know I've got the big guy in my corner when I argue about the interpretation of his work.

Another chapter of the good old PhD thesis has just been published in the academic journal Thesis Eleven. 'Between Zhdanov and Bloomsbury' considers the great man's poetry, which has generally been considered the ugly duckling of his oeuvre. Edward will be pleased, I think, because he always wanted to be a poet far more than he wanted to be a historian. If he's not pleased then I suppose he can always criticise me from beyond the grave, through his medium at My Space...

21 Comments:

Blogger Dave Brown said...

Mate he must have already been conducting an immortal conversation if he launched his My Space in 1993.

4:50 pm  
Blogger tamsi said...

The data you have posted is extremely helpful. The destinations you have alluded was great. A debt of gratitude is in order for sharing... Tax Investigation Advisors

1:20 am  
Blogger tamsi said...

I'm happy to see the considerable subtle element here!. Tax Investigation Self Assessment

9:47 pm  
Blogger tamsi said...

Much obliged for this incredible post, i discover it exceptionally fascinating and extremely well thoroughly considered and set up together. I anticipate perusing your work later on. Tax Investigation Specialists

1:25 am  
Blogger tamsi said...

Pleasant post. I was checking continually this online journal and I am inspired! To a great degree accommodating data uniquely the last part I watch over such information a considerable measure. I was looking for this specific data for quite a while. Much obliged to you and good fortunes. Tax Investigation Self Employed

11:17 pm  
Blogger tamsi said...

That gives off an impression of being fabulous anyway i am still not very beyond any doubt that I like it. At any rate will look much more into it and choose by and by! Tax Investigation Accountants

12:55 am  
Blogger tamsi said...

Respecting the time and exertion you put into your site and nitty gritty data you offer!.. Tax Investigation Advisors

1:08 am  
Blogger tamsi said...

Your web journal furnished us with significant data to work with. Each and every tips of your post are magnificent. Much obliged for sharing. Continue blogging, Tax Investigation Specialists

9:40 pm  
Blogger tamsi said...

I truly like you"re composing style, extraordinary data, thankyou for posting. Tax Investigation Self Assessment

2:28 am  
Blogger tamsi said...

I am extremely delighted in for this online journal. Its an educational subject. It help me all that much to take care of a few issues. Its chance are so incredible and working style so fast. Tax Investigation Self Employed

9:44 pm  
Blogger tamsi said...

Yes i am completely concurred with this article and i simply need say this article is exceptionally pleasant and extremely useful article.I will make a point to be perusing your blog more. You made a decent point yet I can't resist the urge to ponder, shouldn't something be said about the other side? !!!!!!THANKS!!!!!! Revenue Tax Investigation

9:26 am  
Blogger tamsi said...

I might want to say this web journal truly persuaded me to do it! Much obliged, great post. Tax Investigation Self Employed

11:57 pm  
Blogger tamsi said...

Magnificent site you have here, so much cool data!.. Tax Investigation Accountants

1:47 am  
Blogger tamsi said...

I am extremely glad to find your post as it will get to be on top in my accumulation of most loved online journals to visit. Tax Investigation Advisors

2:46 am  
Blogger tamsi said...

Simply respecting your work and thinking about how you dealt with this online journal so well. It's remarkable to the point that I can't bear to not experience this significant data at whatever point I surf the web! Tax Investigation Self Assessment

2:58 am  
Blogger tamsi said...

A debt of gratitude is in order for the important data and bits of knowledge you have so given here... Tax Investigation Specialists

2:16 am  
Blogger tamsi said...

greetings was simply checking whether you minded a remark. i like your site and the thme you picked is super. I will be back. Revenue Tax Investigation

2:13 am  
Blogger tamsi said...

I truly inspired after read this on account of some quality work and educational musings . I just wanna express profound gratitude for the author and want you to enjoy all that life has to offer for coming!. Tax Investigation Accountants

5:27 am  
Blogger tamsi said...

I was perusing your article and thought about whether you had considered making a digital book on this subject. You"re composing would offer it quick. You have a considerable measure of composing ability. Tax Investigation Advisors

7:14 pm  
Blogger tamsi said...

I am cheerful to discover this post Very valuable for me, as it contains parcel of data. I Always want to peruse The Quality and happy I discovered this thing in you post. Much obliged Tax Investigation Self Assessment

12:40 am  
Blogger tamsi said...

Pleasant to be going to your web journal yet again, it has been months for me. Well this article ive been sat tight for accordingly long. i need this article to complete my task inside of the staff, and it has same theme together with your article. Much appreciated, pleasant offer. Tax Investigation Specialists

7:26 am  

Post a Comment

<< Home