E-Book Overview
The book is loosely arranged into three sections. The first three chapters aim to raise certain questions, engage the reader's interest, and describe (in brief terms) what history has been in the past. Chapters 4 and 5 attempt to show how one might set about 'doing' history, first by working with sources and secondly by thinking about interpretations. The final chapters present some thoughts on the status and meaning of history and truth, and why history matters.
E-Book Content
History: A Very Short Introduction ‘A stimulating and provocative introduction to one of collective humanity’s most important quests – understanding the past and its relation to the present. A vivid mix of telling examples and clear-cut analysis.’ David Lowenthal, University College, London ‘This is an extremely engaging book, lively, enthusiastic and highly readable, which presents some of the fundamental problems of historical writing in a lucid and accessible manner. As an invitation to the study of history it should be difficult to resist.’ Peter Burke, Emmanuel College, Cambridge ‘A few millennia of events, millions of manuscripts tucked away, uncountable lives passed, endless stories to tell. History: where to begin? John Arnold’s History: A Very Short Introduction is an excellent very short answer. Lucid and thoughtfully written, it will inspire confidence in students who wish to seek their own historical answers.’ Dorothy Porter, Birkbeck College, London ‘intriguing and original in its discussion of why history matters and what are the problems inherent in studying it. The book is admirable in being discursive and thought-provoking’ Paul Freedman, Yale University Very Short Introductions are for anyone wanting a stimulating and accessible way in to a new subject. They are written by experts, and have been published in 15 languages worldwide. Very Short Introductions available