History In The Making

Product Description

From the vantage point of nearly sixty years devoted to research & the writing of history J. H. Elliott steps back from his work to consider the progress of historical scholarship. From his own experiences as a historian of Spain Europe & the Americas he provides a deft & sharp analysis of the work that historians do & how the field has changed since the 1950s. The author begins by explaining the roots of his interest in Spain & its past then analyzes the challenges of writing the history of a country other than ones own. In succeeding chapters he offers acute observations on such topics as the history of national & imperial decline political history biography & art & cultural history. Elliott concludes with an assessment of changes in the approach to history over the past half-century including the impact of digital technology & argues that a comprehensive vision of the past remains essential. Professional historians students of history & those who read history for pleasure will find in Elliotts delightful book a new appreciation of what goes into the shaping of historical works & how those works in turn can shape the world of thought & action.