Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
The book originates from a critical reflection on the relationship between the past and historical writing. As a book on representations, the present volume does not seek to ascertain the accuracy of writings about the past. Rather than focusing on historiography or specific historical moments, contributors explore representations of the past related to modern China as well as reveal and challenge the workings of the two dominant modes of historical writing in modern China: state-centrism and nation-centrism. Ultimately, the book contributes to the ongoing discussion on the politicization of history, concentrating on the politics of interpreting the past and its many manifestations in both China and other societies since the late nineteenth century.
Synopsis
The relationship between the Chinese nation and its recent past has been fraught with contradictions and tensions. In making sense of this complex relationship, this collection explores alternative representations of the past in modern China, which differed from writings on history that were grounded in two dominant modes: state-centrism and nation-centrism. It examines the salience of political conflicts and competitive histories, highlighting the paradoxical similarities in representations of the past in China from the late nineteenth century to the present. Ultimately, this book contributes to the ongoing discussion on the politics of interpreting the past and its many manifestations in both China and other societies.
Synopsis
The relationship between the Chinese nation and its recent past has been fraught with contradictions and tensions. This collection aims to make sense of this complex relationship and challenge the prevalent state-centric and nation-centric modes of history writing on modern China. It explores alternative representations of the past and the salience of political conflicts and competitive histories in China, highlighting the paradoxical similarities in such representations of the past from the late nineteenth century to the present. Ultimately, this book contributes to the ongoing discussion on the politics of interpreting the past and its many manifestations in both China and other societies.