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Do historians reconstruct the truth—or simply tell stories? Professor John Arnold suggests they do both, and that it’s the balance between the two that matters. In a work of metahistory (the study of history itself), he takes us from the fabulous tales of Greek Herodotus to the varied approaches of modern-day professionals. Through fascinating and particular examples—including a medieval murderer, 17th-century colonist, and ex-slave—Dr. Arnold illuminates our relationship to the past by making us aware of how the very nature of "history” has changed.
Michlren
Posted November 12, 2009
Arnold's aptly titled work would be useful for an introductory undergraduate class, especially one that is aimed at giving students an overview of historiography and some of the discussions going on in the field up to the '80s (for after that it gets too "complicated" for Arnold to deal with). As a text for a grad class it is inadequate and simplistic. For people not in school, this would be also be useful. His writing is clear, concise, and immensely readable, something that cannot be said for other academics writing overviews.
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Overview
Do historians reconstruct the truth—or simply tell stories? Professor John Arnold suggests they do both, and that it’s the balance between the two that matters. In a work of metahistory (the study of history itself), he takes us from the fabulous tales of Greek Herodotus to the varied approaches of modern-day professionals. Through fascinating and particular examples—including a medieval murderer, 17th-century colonist, and ex-slave—Dr. Arnold illuminates our relationship to the past by making us aware of how the very nature of "history” has changed.