author

John A. Hall

A leading comparative historical sociologist, this writer is known for making big ideas about nationalism, states, empires, and civility feel vivid and relevant. His books connect deep historical research with clear social analysis, often asking how modern societies hold together—or fall apart.

1 Audiobook

The Great Strike on the "Q"

The Great Strike on the "Q"

by John A. Hall

About the author

Born in 1949, John A. Hall is a sociologist and scholar of comparative historical sociology who served as the James McGill Emeritus Professor at McGill University in Montreal. He studied at Oxford University, earned an MA from Pennsylvania State University, and completed a PhD at the London School of Economics.

Over a long academic career, he also held posts at the University of Southampton, the London School of Economics, and Harvard University. His work ranges across nationalism, political economy, liberalism, civility, and the history of states and empires, and he has written or edited more than 30 books.

Hall is especially known for bringing sociology and history into conversation, using broad historical comparisons to explore how societies are shaped. Among his notable works are The Importance of Being Civil, The Paradox of Vulnerability, and Ernest Gellner: An Intellectual Biography.