Nothing Human is Alien to Me

by Aijaz Ahmad

Two features characterize the entire body of Aijaz Ahmad’s work, which offers us a way to read the history of the present. First, his evident wide reading about the history and sociology of the world, which allows him to provide the necessary global context for his study and for our new times that remain tied to the contradictions of a longer history. Second, his grip on Marxism, a living Marxism, a Marxism that has absorbed both the streams of Western Marxism and of national liberation Marxism.

Vijay Prashad writes that it is impossible for him to think without thinking alongside the work of Aijaz Ahmad. In this fascinating and wide-ranging conversation, he draws out Ahmad, separating and interweaving strands of his thought, and in the process inviting us, the readers, to take a look at the method that drives his analysis. In the process, we learn to think through the present, better.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, History, Sociology, Theory

250 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 2020

About the author

Aijaz Ahmad is a renowned cultural theorist who has taught in several western and Indian universities. A frequent contributor to Frontline magazine, he currently lives in New Delhi.

Reviews

[Brian Haynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent extended discussion between Vijay Prashad and Aijaz Ahmad. The book provides a broad overview of Ahmad's intellectual development and political engagements from his time as a student radical in 1960s Pakistan to his theoretical interventions in debates on topics as varied as postmodernism, class and caste, far right and fascist movements across the world, imperialism, and so forth. This is a living, breathing Marxism with historical grounding and theoretical sophistication that bristles with insights on every page.

[Sylvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25

Book length interview with Vijay Prashad and Aijaz Ahmad, covering a wide range of topics in mostly chronological order. From Ahmad growing up in India, then Pakistan post-Partition, to moving between there, the USA and India throughout his life.

Some chapters were more engaging to me than others, I am not well read on India or Pakistan, so chapters on political events or literature from both countries are referred to by Prashad and Ahmad in pretty casual ways, assuming the reader knows. I think Ahmad talking about his book 'In Theory' stood out to me, effectively convincing me to read that book pretty soon.

I think formats like this can be pretty helpful in both humanising the authors, having a (very intellectual) chat together and also being a more informal way to grasp their ideas, their influences, and reflections on their pieces of work elsewhere.

[Urja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great introduction to Aijaz Ahmed’s work and life.

The most important takeaway for me for Ahmed’s analysis of fascism after neoliberalism - haven’t seen this articulated before.

Will certainly be reading more of Ahmed’s work.