What is History? (Vintage) - Softcover

Carr, Edward Hallet

Softcover

ISBN 10: 039470391X ISBN 13: 9780394703916

Publisher: Random House USA Children's Books, 1990

Synopsis

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

About this title

Review:

l historians. The new edition introduced by Professor Evans, a leading historian and an accomplished historiographer, provides an excellent insight into Carr's life and work.' - Jonathan Haslam, author of The Vices of Integrity: E. H. Carr (1892-1982)

'E. H. Carr proves himself to be not only our most distinguished modern historian, but also one of the most valuable contributors to historical theory.' - The Spectator

From the Back Cover:

'...[Carr] tackles half a dozen of the most fundamental questions concerning the interpretation of human social experience. He handles each of these with such mastery as we seldom see, and his little book is one of those rare works which one can with assurance predict will be regarded as basic for years to come.' -- David M. Potter, The Nation

About this edition

• Publisher: Random House USA Children's Books
• Publication date: 1990
• ISBN 10: 039470391X
• ISBN 13: 9780394703916
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 224