Product Description

This is a highly accessible introductory survey of historians' views about the nature and purpose of their subject and discusses the traditional model of history as an account of the past 'as it was'.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #140634 in Books
• Published on: 2001-09-27
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 216 pages

Review
'Well-organised, engaging, replete with well-chosen examples, amiable in its discussion of the various foibles to which historians are subject, and thoughtfully optimistic in its view of the present and future status of the field.' - Gerald McFarland, University of Massachusetts

'A lively, thoughtful, engaging overview, which explores issues and raises questions in a helpful and challenging way. Students have found it stimulating.' - Roger Richardson, King Alfred's University College, Winchester

'A useful guide to a myriad of theories and key figures.' - Oxbow Book News

From the Back Cover
History: What and Why? is a highly accessible introductory survey of historians' views about the nature and purpose of their subject. It offers a historical perspective and clear guide to contemporary debates about the nature and purpose of history and a discussion of the traditional model of history as an account of the past 'as it was'. It assesses the challenges to orthodox views and examines the impact of Marxism, feminism and post-colonialism on the study of history.
This second edition has been updated to reflect the continuing, and still increasing, debate surrounding these issues. In particular it discusses:
* historians' fear of postmodernism
* holocaust denial and the Irving/Lipstadt libel trial
* the future of the past in the light of the postmodern challenge.