An innovative and entertaining examination of different approaches to the theory of nationhood in Europe from the late eighteenth century to the early twentieth century which focuses on the ideas of the seven most influential thinkers - for good or evil. These are: Herder, Fichte, Mazzini, J. S. Mill, Renan, Hitler and Stalin.

The book is divided into three parts. Part I analyses the contexts in which these men thought and wrote. Part II is organised in the form of a platonically styled symposium where the reader is asked to imagine the seven men convened, under the chairmanship of an historian, to repeat the words from their own works. By this device their views on the components of the theory of nationhood are juxtaposed and brought into the sharp reliefs of similarities and contrasts.

Part III considers judgements on the originality, quality and influence of their work.