
What Happened to History?
Willie Thompson(Author)
Pluto Press
Published on 20. November 2000
Book
Paperback/Softback
176 pages
978-0-7453-1263-7 (ISBN)
Description
This original study explores the development of the postmodern turn in history, brought on by the social, political and cultural changes of the 1970s and 1980s. Challenging notions of certainty and objectivity, postmodernism has questioned traditional models and methods in studying history. A timely intervention in an increasingly contentious area, this book evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of postmodern history.
Beginning with a brief account of historiography as an academic discipline, with its origins in the 'scientific historiography' of the nineteenth century, Willie Thompson charts the growth and development of the historical method in the twentieth century. He examines the impact of Marxist historiography, particularly in Britain and the United States, and the emergence of new approaches to history exemplified by the work of E.P. Thompson and others. In addition, Thompson assesses the impact of feminist, black and minority history.
Beginning with a brief account of historiography as an academic discipline, with its origins in the 'scientific historiography' of the nineteenth century, Willie Thompson charts the growth and development of the historical method in the twentieth century. He examines the impact of Marxist historiography, particularly in Britain and the United States, and the emergence of new approaches to history exemplified by the work of E.P. Thompson and others. In addition, Thompson assesses the impact of feminist, black and minority history.
Reviews / Votes
'A brilliant explication of history' -- Times Literary SupplementMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Paperback (UK-trade)
Dimensions
Height: 215 mm
Width: 135 mm
Weight
330 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-7453-1263-7 (9780745312637)
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

Willie Thompson
What Happened to History?
E-Book
11/2000
1st Edition
Pluto Press
€83.69
Available for download

Willie Thompson
What Happened to History?
E-Book
11/2000
1st Edition
Pluto Press
€31.99
Available for download
Person
Willie Thompson was Professor of Contemporary History at Glasgow Caledonian University. His books include Work, Sex and Power, Ideologies in the Age of Extremes and What Happened to History? He was vice-president of the Socialist History Society.
Content
1. Introduction
2. Twentieth-century Historiography: the Emergence of ' Histories'
3. The Development of Marxist Historiography
4. E P Thompson and the Emergence of Social History
5. Feminist, Black and Minority histories
6. Causes: The Postmodern Turn
7. Consequences: History in the Aftermath
8. Oppositional Historiography and the Marxist conflict with Postmodern History
9. Conclusion: Strengths, Weaknesses and Agendas for the Future
Notes and References
Bibliography
Index
2. Twentieth-century Historiography: the Emergence of ' Histories'
3. The Development of Marxist Historiography
4. E P Thompson and the Emergence of Social History
5. Feminist, Black and Minority histories
6. Causes: The Postmodern Turn
7. Consequences: History in the Aftermath
8. Oppositional Historiography and the Marxist conflict with Postmodern History
9. Conclusion: Strengths, Weaknesses and Agendas for the Future
Notes and References
Bibliography
Index