Synopses & Reviews
Deconstructive readings of history and sources have changed the entire discipline of history. And in this second edition of Deconstructing History, Alun Munslow examines history in what he argues is a postmodern age. He provides an introduction to the debates and issues of postmodernist history. He also surveys the latest research into the relationship between the past, history, and historical practice, as well as forwarding his own challenging theories. In this fully up-to-date second edition, Munslow:
- Discusses the limits of conventional historical thinking and practice and responds to the recent critiques of authors including Kevin Passmore, Ludmilla Jordanova, and C.B. McCullagh
- Assesses afresh the claims of history as a form of truthful explanation
- Examines the arrival of experimental history and addresses its implications including, for example, historiophoty
Including a fully updated glossary and bibliography, Munslow maps the philosophical field, outlines the controversies involved and assesses the merits of the by now familiar deconstructionist position.
Synopsis
Surveying the latest research, this welcome second edition of Alun Munslow 's successful Deconstructing History provides an excellent introduction to the debates and issues of postmodernist history.
This new edition has been updated and revised and, along with the original discussion material and topics, now:
- assesses the claims of history as a form of truthful explanation
- discusses the limits of conventional historical thinking and practice, and the responses of the new empiricists to the book 's central arguments
- examines the arrival of experimental history and its implications
- clarifies the utility of addressing Michael Foucault and Hayden White, and strengthens the analysis of Frank R. Ankersmit 's recent work.
Along with an updated glossary, and a revised bibliography, this second edition will not only live up to its predecessor 's reputation, but will surpass it as the most essential student resource for studying history and its practice.