Publisher's Synopsis
Written for undergraduate students in history, this text focuses on the representation of that past in the work of historians. The author argues that students need to be aware of the limits placed on historical knowledge by the character of the sources and the working methods of historians. Intended to explore a number of general propositions about history and historians, the book says that history is a subject of practical social relevance and that the proper performance of its function depends on a receptive and discriminating attitude to other disciplines, especially the social sciences. All historical enquiry, whatever the source of its inspiration, must be conducted in accordance with the rigorous critical method which is the hallmark of modern academic history. The author tries to place these claims in the context of recent debate among historians.
