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Acknowledgments
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Acknowledgments “All history,” proclaimed Friedrich Engels, “has been a history of class struggles between dominated classes at various stages of social development .” Engels, of course, was wrong; human history is much too complex and varied. Yet, his insight is powerful, and it has shaped the thinking of people for generations. None of the authors in this volume fully embraces Engels ’s analysis, but all recognize its importance to studying the past and understanding the present. For that, and with our tongues tucked only slightly in our cheeks and our hearts in the right place, we thank Engels, Karl Marx, E. P. Thompson, and scores of other philosophers, historians, scholars, and activists who take class inequality seriously and work hard to alleviate its causes and consequences. Five years ago, discouraged by the supposed death of class analysis, we devised a plan to try to breathe new life into its use among historians of early America and the wider Atlantic World. Since then, we have organized several conferences and edited three journal issues dealing with these topics. With this anthology, we complete our project with considerable optimism. The work of numerous researchers, whether linked with this undertaking or not, clearly has resuscitated the patient. During this venture, we have been quite fortunate to labor with and learn from excellent scholars and compassionate human beings. Simon Newman, always generous, provided a nourishing venue for the genesis of our scheme. Well over a hundred people—many more than we originally expected—brought our project to life by their ardent participation in conferences in Montana and Philadelphia. We thank all of them as well as the individuals who carried out the truly hard work of organizing the meetings, including Diane Cattrell, Jennifer Chrisman, Deidre Manry, Trinette Ross, John Gallagher, John Lewis, Pete Faggen, Bridgette Case, Charissa Fuhrmann, Jim Bruggeman, Amy Baxter-Bellamy, Zelini Hubbard, and Dan Richter. We likewise value Adrienne Mayor for guiding academic fisherpeople, Brett Walker for not injuring anybody on his bike tours, and David Large for his skills as a “people person.” We gratefully acknowledge the financial support for the conferences and the excellent judgment displayed by the offices of the Vice President for Research (Tom McCoy), the Provost (David Dooley), and the President (Geoffrey Gamble) at Montana State University; the University of East Anglia; and the McNeil Center for Early American Studies at the University of Pennsylvania. Although this is the last item published from our project, this collection is far from the least in terms substance. We thank, sincerely, the contributors to the volume for caring enough about the topic to write and revise their excellent chapters and for having sufficient endurance to wait for this book to be finished. “If the lower orders don’t set us a good example,” Oscar Wilde asked sarcastically a century ago, “what on earth is the use of them?” Fortunately , the authors of these essays as well as the people who helped with this book—even those who do not hail from the “lower orders”—set a superior example in cooperative scholarship. Greg Nobles read the manuscript several times and offered advice that was right on the mark; an anonymous referee likewise provided positive suggestions. Daniel Richter’s critique of the volume was particularly helpful, and we much appreciate his decision to include it in his series. Meghan Scott was, as usual, incredibly efficient as a research assistant, and she improved the book in innumerable ways. Christine Sweeney performed very conscientiously as a copyeditor, Erica Ginsburg was a patient and helpful managing editor, and Bob Lockhart was both tolerant and supportive as the editor. Friends and colleagues in the History and Philosophy Department at Montana State University have made it an enjoyable, stimulating place to work. Mary Murphy, Michelle Maskiell, and Tom Wessel are among the few who understand class analysis. However, and to the good fortune of one of the book’s editors, Michael Reidy, Brett Walker, Kristen Intemann, Dale Martin , Edward Flashman, Susan Cohen, and Tim LeCain vastly overestimate their understanding of poker. Our families encouraged us throughout this endeavor. Jack Smith, Carol Smith, Betty Smith, Barbara Gibson, Sage Smith, and Michelle Maskiell have been, as always, very loving and supportive. Simon thanks Billy for five years of great collaboration, Carolyn for putting up with his mental absences and diva-like mood swings, and Betsy and Rosie for being adorable. Simon Middleton, Sheffield Billy G. Smith, Bozeman 328 Acknowledgments [54.157.61.194] Project MUSE (2024-03-19 07:20...