History: What and Why?
Ancient, Modern and Postmodern Perspectives
2nd Edition
Published on 27. September 2001
Book
Hardback
216 pages
978-0-415-25657-5 (ISBN)
Description
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.
For anyone teaching, learning or studying history, this is a must.
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.
For anyone teaching, learning or studying history, this is a must.
Reviews / Votes
'A useful guide to a myriad of theories and key figures.' - Oxbow Book News A valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about the implications of postmodernism for the standing of history...written with admirable lucidity and should engage and provoke students. Its range of cultural reference is rich, and one of the best things about it is the long historical context into which postmodernism is placed. Rich repertory of illustrations and quotations. - William Stafford, University of Huddersfield in English Historical Review'... a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about the implications of postmodernism for the standing of history ... written with admirable lucidity and should engage and provoke students. Its range of cultural reference is rich, and one of the best things about it is the long historical context into which postmodernism is placed ... rich repertory of illustrations and quotations.' - William Stafford, English Historical Review, September 2002
'Southgate has ... provided a clear guide to the contemporary debate ... I would have no hesitation in recommending this book to anyone interested in the future of the subject.' - History Teaching Review
More details
Edition
2nd edition
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Undergraduate
Product notice
sewn/stitched
Cloth over boards
Dimensions
Height: 226 mm
Width: 144 mm
Thickness: 18 mm
Weight
481 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-415-25657-5 (9780415256575)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Book
09/2001
2nd Edition
Routledge
€62.70
Shipment within 15-20 days
Previous edition
Book
09/1996
Routledge
€94.40
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Person
Content
1. Introduction: History, Philosophy and Historiography 2. What Was History? The Past as it Was 3. Why History? Past Answers 4. External Challenges to the Old Model: Some Interdisciplinary Perspectives 5. Internal Challenges to the Old Model: Some Major Forces 6. What? and Why? The Future of History 7. Postscript