What Is History?
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Book Overview
Who is to say how things really were? In formulating a modern answer to the question 'What is History?' Professor Carr shows that the 'facts' of history are simply those which historians have selected for scrutiny. Millions have crossed the Rubicon, but the historians tell us that only Caesar's crossing was significant. All historical facts come to us as a result of interpretative choices by historians influenced by the standards of their age. Yet if absolute objectivity is impossible, the role of the historian need in no way suffer; nor does history lose its fascination. With lucidity, Carr casts a light on the proper function of the historian and the vital importance of history in modern society. "This is an admirably stimulating and intrepid book, a bold excursion into a region of central importance where most contemporary philosophers and historians, unaccountably, either fear or disdain to tread."--Isaiah Berlin, New Statesman
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:039470391X
ISBN13:9780394703916
Release Date:October 1967
Publisher:Vintage
Length:224 Pages
Weight:0.39 lbs.
Dimensions:0.6" x 4.3" x 7.3"
Customer Reviews
4 ratings
Quirky, excellent volume
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 15 years ago
What is History is necessarily dated - historiography does move on, seminal historical issues (the terror of the Soviet Union) have evolved and changed dramatically since the time of writing. The book is also completely biased in Carr's own skewed humanist liberal image of progress through reform, and the subjetive nature of the historian's viewpoint. None of this spoils one jot an excellent volume (though the preface material adds little, as another reviewer has noted). It is packed with vignettes, riffs and intellectual trinkets, carefully outlying a consideration of what is history - how does causation work? Does history progress? How does the individual fit into society? There is plenty to cherish in this slim volume, many intellectual reference points, and the odd passage that will raise an odd eyebrow or two - for examole Carr's contention in the final chapter that progress only comes about by radical reform of society through reason, implying that those in the conservative, pragmatic school have offered little to nothing towards human progress. Well worth reading for anyone involved in the practice or teaching of history, or about to become involved, at whatever level.
A good place to start
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
Carr explores many crucial questions in the study of history including subjectivity, point of view, and the limitations sources pose in the construction of the past itself. It's clearly written, concise, and plain-spoken, even as those reading it may be preparing to pursue history into the non-concise, un-plainly spoken world of academia. "The serious historian is the one who recognizes the historically conditioned character of all values, not the one who claims for his own values an objectivity beyond history." Highly recommend.
Fundamental considerations!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 20 years ago
Edward Hallet Carr makes a meticulous analysis and untired exploration around the meaning of the historian and his real role as interpreter . He must consider the story as a musician playing the score becoming in a kind of vanished bridge linking the history and the reader . The subjectivity is very hazardous , but the historian can not just be isolated from the emotion . This delicate balance between the reason and the passion is highlighted with interesting points of view of brilliant authors in this theme . Absorbing and fundamental reading.
The fundamental historiographical work.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
Although this book is difficult to understand in places (purely by virtue of it being an academic text that has obtained deserved popularity) it is a must for anybody interested in history as a discipline. Debates in historiography have moved on a great deal since Carr wrote this text, and the advent of post-modernism has complicated many of the issues that Carr raises. However, before trying to run, one should walk, and Carr provides the basic skills needed to become a good historian. I would recommend Richard Evans 'In Defence of History' for a modern perspective.
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