Architects of World History

Reviews / Votes

"This collection clearly frames the methodological andhistoriographical trajectories that give coherence to world historyas a field. The contributions from a wide range of scholarshumanize broad patterns of inquiry and provide a fresh, originalapproach. Architects is essential reading for scholars and teachersat all levels who want to grasp the history and scope of a dynamicfield." --Laura J. Mitchell, University of California,Irvine"The authors of these thoughtful and engaging autobiographicalessays show us that, like most historical change, world history asa modern intellectual and scholastic endeavor emerged not because agroup of innovators had a good plan but through an inchoate processof accident, contingency, and personal encounter. This is afascinating story of how nine distinguished historians,dissatisfied with the severe limits of nation-state history, foundtheir way, often serendipitously, to one another and to largernetworks of like-minded professionals. In the process they helpedestablish world history as a fertile field of research andteaching." --Ross Dunn, San Diego State University "This is a stimulating collection, at once presenting leadingvoices in the field and some of the key topical approaches withinworld history. The goal of attracting and guiding students toward agreater sense of how world history is done is particularlyattractive." --Peter Stearns, George Mason University "Each of the authors is a genuine architect and visionary in thefield of world history. Collectively they provide a richintroduction to current approaches to teaching and research, whileat the same time unfolding their own personal and often remarkableintellectual journeys that brought them to the forefront of worldhistory." --Craig Benjamin, President of the World HistoryAssociation (2014 / 15)