History: What and Why?: Ancient, Modern and Postmodern Perspectives / Edition 2

by Beverley Southgate

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415256575
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	09/27/2001
Edition description:	Revised
Pages:	216
Product dimensions:	5.44(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)
Lexile:	1500L (what's this?)

About the Author

Beverley Southgate

Table of Contents

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

Editorial Reviews

'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

From the Publisher

Well-organized, 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