Why read What Is History??

Book cover of What Is History?

Book description

'Not only our most distinguished historian but also one of the most valuable contributors to historical theory' Spectator

In answering the question, 'what is history?', E. H. Carr's acclaimed and influential bestseller shows that the facts of history are simply those which the historian selects for scrutiny. His fluent and…

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Why read it?

2 authors picked What Is History? as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Theodor Pelekanidis

Author

This book is a classic, and I wish I had read it even earlier than I did.

One of the most prominent historians of the 20th century, E.H. Carr, delves into the intricacies of exploring the past. He articulates the significance of interpreting personal memories, discusses how historical ideas are constructed, and examines the impact of a historian's personality on the history they write. These complicated ideas are given in a calm tone and a simple way.

A total must-read for people interested in history!

From Theodor's list on The best books to make you reconsider what you know about history.

Yulia Ustinova

Author

This book is a classic, for more than half a century, and remains the starting point in the current discussion of the historian’s craft. Edward H. Carr underscores the importance of dialogue in the study of history. History is a process of interaction between the historian and their facts, or between the past and the present. In this dialogue, the historian is not an objective reporter or analyst, but an individual whose world view and scientific approach are shaped by society.

From Yulia's list on The best books on how historians work.