Pursuit of History Aims Methods & New Directions in the Study of Modern History

Of previous editions:

“An excellent introduction to methodology in history which will be read with advantage by historians at any stage of their development.”

History

 

“Can easily be handled by the general reader wanting to know what is happening to history today.”

British Book News

 

This famous study examines important questions about historians and their work - Why do we study history? How do we construct our knowledge of the past? What are the limitations of historical evidence? What different kinds of history are being written today?

The subjects covered are difficult and sometimes controversial but John Tosh has proved himself an admirable guide in this celebrated work. His cool eye and lively pen make the issues clear and involving; and he makes the reader vividly aware of just how far our historical knowledge is conditioned by the character of the sources and by the methods of the historians who work on them.

 

In this 4^th edition the main text is made even more accessible through a number of  new features:

 

• Chapter opening summaries
• Marginal glosses for difficult terms and concepts
• Boxed sections at the end of each chapter dedicated to key events and people
• Illustrative material throughout the text
• Suggestions for further reading at the end of each chapter
• Section headings to facilitate navigation around the book

 

 

 

John Tosh is Professor of History at Roehampton University.

Seán Lang is Research Fellow in History at Anglia Polytechnic University.

This is a revised third edition of the best-selling introduction to the practice of history. Since first publication in 1990, John Tosh's groundbreaking guide to the study of history has helped readers find their way around difficult and sometimes controversial topics. Noted for its clarity, breadth and even-handedness, regular revision of the text has ensured it remains completely up-to-date. Clearly structured throughout to lead the reader progressively through the issues, the book's judicious, non-polemical approach makes it a reliable and trusted resource. For readers interested in historiography.

The essential introduction to the practice of history - revised with new features to ensure it is even more popular with students.

• Tosh is consistently the best-selling Longman History textbook

• The last 3 editions have achieved total sales of over 83,000 copies

• The use of photos of significant people and events help make the text more lively

• New layout and design enables readers to understand themes more quickly

This is exactly the kind of book to recommend warmly to any student wanting a general introduction to the discipline of history. It is highly accessible and could as easily be handled by the general reader wanting to know what is happening to history today.'

British Book News

Tosh provides an excellent introduction to methodology in history which will be read with advantage by historians at any stage of their development.'

History

...admirably up-to-date, well-researched and written with the kind of brio which might alone suggest that history is exciting....The judgements are individual and sometimes controversial but there is no better tour d'horizon on the market.'

Journal of African History

'Tosh writes clearly and pungently...a very satisfactory as well as stimulating vade-mecum for all who work at history.'

Times Higher Education Supplement

This titmely Revised Edition of The Pursuit of History examines important questions about historians and their work:

· Why do we study history?

· What use is it?

· How do we construct our knowledge of the past?

· Can we apply to history the methods and objectives of the social sciences?

· What are the limitations of historical evidence?

· What different kinds of history are being written today?

History is more relevant and popular today than ever. John Toshs guide is the essential and accessible introduction to every aspect of the practice of history.

John Tosh is Professor of History at Roehampton University.

Sean Lang is a Research Fellow at Anglia Polytechnic University and was formerly a sixth form teacher. He is also Director of the Historical Association Curriculum Project, developing a new type of history curriculum for pupils aged 14-19.

Preface to the revised Third Edition

1. Historical Awareness

2. The Uses of History

3. The Raw Materials

4. Using the Sources

5. The Themes of Mainstream History

6. Writing and Interpretation

7. The Limits of Historical Knowledge

8. History and Social Theory

9. History by Numbers

10. Theories of Meaning

11. History by Word of Mouth

Conclusion

Further reading

Index