This work is an accessible introductory survey of historians' views about the nature and purpose of their subject. It offers a historical perspective and clear guide to contemporary debates about the nature and purpose of history and a discussion of the traditional model of history as an account of the past as it was. It assesses the challenges to orthodox views and examines the impact of Marxism, feminism and post-colonialism on the study of history. This second edition has been updated to reflect the continuing, and still increasing, debate surrounding these issues. In particular it...

Postmodernism has significantly affected the theory and practice of history. It has induced fears about the future of historical study, but has also offered liberation from certain modernist constraints. This study looks at the context of postmodernist thought in general cultural terms as well as in relation to history. It traces philosophical precursors of postmodernism and identifies the roots of current concerns. The author describes the core constituents of postmodernism and provides an analysis of the current state of the debate. His main concern is to counter pomophobia and to assert a...