On 'What Is History?': From Carr and Elton to Rorty and White / Edition 1

by Keith Jenkins

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415097253
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	11/02/1995
Series:	Historical Connections
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	212
Product dimensions:	5.44(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)
Age Range:	17 - 18 Years

Table of Contents

Introduction 1. On Edward Carr 2. On Geoffrey Elton 3. On Richard Rorty 4. On Hayden White 5. ‘Loose Ends' Notes Index

Editorial Reviews

A study of the formation of political parties in the early stages of the transition to democracy in Poland and of how individuals acquired partisan preferences. Weighs the relative impact of social cleavages, political cultures and attitudes, and political actors and institutions in party formation; and shows that from the beginning electoral behavior has been based on regional, demographic, and attitudinal factors that remain stable and predictable from one election to the next. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews

'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.' -

From the Publisher