History in the Making
Published on 14. September 2012
Book
Hardback
264 pages
978-0-300-18638-3 (ISBN)
Description
An eminent historian offers rare insight into his craft and the way it has changed over his lifetime
From the vantage point of nearly sixty years devoted to research and the writing of history, J. H. Elliott steps back from his work to consider the progress of historical scholarship. From his own experiences as a historian of Spain, Europe, and the Americas, he provides a deft and sharp analysis of the work that historians do and how the field has changed since the 1950s.
The author begins by explaining the roots of his interest in Spain and its past, then analyzes the challenges of writing the history of a country other than one's own. In succeeding chapters he offers acute observations on such topics as the history of national and imperial decline, political history, biography, and art and cultural history. Elliott concludes with an assessment of changes in the approach to history over the past half-century, including the impact of digital technology, and argues that a comprehensive vision of the past remains essential. Professional historians, students of history, and those who read history for pleasure will find in Elliott's delightful book a new appreciation of what goes into the shaping of historical works and how those works in turn can shape the world of thought and action.
From the vantage point of nearly sixty years devoted to research and the writing of history, J. H. Elliott steps back from his work to consider the progress of historical scholarship. From his own experiences as a historian of Spain, Europe, and the Americas, he provides a deft and sharp analysis of the work that historians do and how the field has changed since the 1950s.
The author begins by explaining the roots of his interest in Spain and its past, then analyzes the challenges of writing the history of a country other than one's own. In succeeding chapters he offers acute observations on such topics as the history of national and imperial decline, political history, biography, and art and cultural history. Elliott concludes with an assessment of changes in the approach to history over the past half-century, including the impact of digital technology, and argues that a comprehensive vision of the past remains essential. Professional historians, students of history, and those who read history for pleasure will find in Elliott's delightful book a new appreciation of what goes into the shaping of historical works and how those works in turn can shape the world of thought and action.
Reviews / Votes
'Here is a grand panorama of the most significant fields of interest in early modern historiography since the 1950s, which only a tiny few historians are qualified to write. It is timely, beautifully crafted, and invariably balanced in its judgements, and will be an invaluable road-map for a whole generation of younger historians.'-Joseph Bergin, Emeritus Professor of History, University of Manchester -- Joseph Bergin "The author's deep, wide erudition in an age of increasing specialization is impressive and accessible for all students of history. A straightforward, lucid introduction to Elliott's significant body of work."-Kirkus Reviews * Kirkus *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Target group
Adult education
Product notice
Cloth over boards
Weight
522 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-300-18638-3 (9780300186383)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
J. H. Elliott
History in the Making
E-Book
09/2012
1st Edition
Yale University Press
€72.19
Available for download
Person
Sir John Elliott is a prize-winning historian and Regius Professor Emeritus of Modern History, University of Oxford. He is the author of a sequence of major historical studies, seven of which are published by Yale University Press. He lives in Oxford, UK.