What Is History?
What Is History?
Edward Hallet Carr
Christopher Hitchens
Brilliant. - Christopher Hitchens
+
1
All books

What Is History?

What Is History?

Edward Hallet Carr
By
Edward Hallet Carr
3.9
4126
ratings on Goodreads

In "What Is History?", Edward Hallet Carr embarks on a profound exploration of the nature of history and the essence of those who write it. Through a series of elegantly argued chapters, Carr dismantles the notion of history as a mere chronicle of facts, proposing instead that it is a deeply interpretative art, shaped by the historians who narrate it. With a blend of erudition and accessibility, Carr questions the objectivity of historical facts, suggesting that they are selected and viewed through the biased lens of the historian. This seminal work challenges readers to consider not just the 'what' and 'how' of history, but more importantly, the 'why', offering a captivating insight into the philosophical underpinnings of historical inquiry. Beyond its analysis, Carr's book stands as a pillar in the historiographical landscape, igniting debates and inspiring a generation to re-evaluate the role of the historian. His narrative, punctuated with wit and humor, does not merely critique the methodologies of historical scholarship; it offers a vision for a more nuanced and reflective approach to understanding the past. "What Is History?" is not just a question posed by Carr but an invitation to journey through the complex and often subjective terrain of history itself. As much a call to arms as it is a scholarly treatise, Carr's work continues to resonate, urging both historians and the lay reader to consider the inherent biases and perspectives that shape our understanding of the historical narrative.

Read more
Released
1961
1 Jan
Length
209
Pages

1

recommendations

recommendation

Brilliant. - Christopher Hitchens
Study the historian before you begin to study the facts.
— Edward Hallet Carr, What Is History?

Similar recommendations

View all
Guns, Germs, and Steel
12
people
person
The Lessons of History
The Lessons of History
Will & Ariel Durant
8
people
person
Team of Rivals
Team of Rivals
Doris Kearns Goodwin
7
people
person
The Wright Brothers
The Wright Brothers
David McCullough
6
people
person
Lincoln
Lincoln
Gore Vidal
5
people
person
Accidental Presidents
4
people
person
Empire of the Summer Moon
4
people
person
Homage to Catalonia
Homage to Catalonia
George Orwell
4
people
person
On War
On War
Carl von Clausewitz
4
people
person

This site is part of Amazon’s Associates Program. Purchasing books recommended by successful individuals through my links earns us a small commission, helping keep the site running, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting our site!