History, what and why?
Subtitle: ancient, modern, and postmodern perspectives
By: Beverley Southgate.
Publisher: Routledge
Published: 1996
Place of publication: London; New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 167
Subjects: History -- Philosophy
Description: History: What and Why? is an introductory survey of historians' views about the nature and purpose of their subject. It takes particular account of the classical and early-modern periods, and concludes with a consideration of ongoing debates.

It offers a historical perspective and clear guide to contemporary debates about the nature and purpose of history; a discussion of the traditional model of history as an account of the past 'as it was'; an assessment of the challenges to orthodox views posed by developments in psychology, linguistics, and philosophy; an examination of the impact of Marxism, feminism, and post-colonialism on the study of history; and a postmodern vision for the future of the subject.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. [138]-161) and index.