Historical Theory
Historical Theory by Mary Fulbrook, published by Routledge in 2002, offers a critical examination of historiography and the theoretical challenges faced by historians. This 228-page book presents an original argument that evaluates various approaches to history, emphasizing that historical accounts should not be dismissed as mere fiction, myth, or propaganda. Fulbrook addresses the influence of postmodernism on historical narratives and asserts that while facts are important, they alone do not suffice in understanding the complexities of the past.
Readers will find that Historical Theory delves into key theoretical questions that all historians encounter, advocating for a nuanced understanding of historical narratives. The book illustrates its arguments with substantive examples, focusing on the central theoretical issues and practical strategies for connecting historical traces with contemporary interpretations. This edition is presented in English and is designed for historians and students alike, providing insights into the nature of historical inquiry and the diverse methodologies that shape our understanding of history.
Official synopsis Publisher
Practising historians claim that their accounts of the past are something other than fiction, myth or propaganda. Yet there are significant challenges to this view, most notably from postmodernism. In Historical Theory, a prominent historian develops a highly original argument that evaluates the diversity of approaches to history and points to a constructive way forward.
Mary Fulbrook argues that all historians face key theoretical questions, and that an emphasis on the facts alone is not enough. Against postmodernism, she argures that historical narratives are not simply inventions imposed on the past, and that some answers to historical questions are more plausible or adequate than others.
Illustrated with numerous substantive examples and its focus is always on the most central theoretical issues and on real strategies for bridging the gap between the traces of the past and the interpretations of the present. Historical Theory is essential and enlightening reading for all historians and their students.
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