Eric Hobsbawm was a British historian known for his work on the social and economic history of the 19th and 20th centuries. Born in 1917, he became a prominent figure in the field of history, particularly for his analysis of the rise of industrial society and the development of modern political ideologies. His notable works include The Age of Revolution, The Age of Capital, and The Age of Extremes. Hobsbawm was also a Marxist, which influenced his perspective on historical events and social movements. He emphasized the importance of class struggle and the impact of capitalism on society. Throughout his career, he received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to historical scholarship, making him a significant figure in modern historiography.