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On `What is History?' provides a student introduction to contemporary historiographical debates.
Carr and Elton are still the starting point for the vast majority of introductory courses on the nature of history. Building on his highly successful Rethinking History, Keith Jenkins explores in greater detail the influence of these key figures. He argues that historians need to move beyond their `modernist' thinking and embrace the postmodern-type approaches of thinkers such as Richard Rorty and Hayden White.
Through its radical critique of Carr and Elton and its championing of Rorty and White, On `What is History'? represents a significant development for introductory studies on the nature of history.
List of contents
Introduction 1. On Edward Carr 2. On Geoffrey Elton 3. On Richard Rorty 4. On Hayden White 5. `Loose Ends' Notes Index
About the author
Keith Jenkins
Summary
Jenkins provides a student introduction to contemporary historiographical debates. Through its radical critique of Carr and Elton, he embraces the postmodern-type approaches of thinkers such as Richard Rorty and Hayden White.
Additional text
'An extremely stimulating sequel to Rethinking History. It is a vital contribution to a fundamental debate' - Ian Davies, The Historical Association'As with his earlier book IRethinking History, Jenkins has produced an accessibly written, confessed polemic, aimed at students but essential for historians of all ages. On What is History? usefully summarises a range of critical arguments, and demonstrates that much of the suspicion over poststructualism has rested on misreadings and misrepresentations of such theorists as Michel Foucault and Jacques Derrida.' -
Report
'An extremely stimulating sequel to Rethinking History. It is a vital contribution to a fundamental debate' - Ian Davies, The Historical Association
'As with his earlier book IRethinking History, Jenkins has produced an accessibly written, confessed polemic, aimed at students but essential for historians of all ages. On What is History? usefully summarises a range of critical arguments, and demonstrates that much of the suspicion over poststructualism has rested on misreadings and misrepresentations of such theorists as Michel Foucault and Jacques Derrida.' -
