BookfellersBeta
What Is History For?

What Is History For?

Robert Gildea

2024

Genres: History

“History”, suggests Robert Gildea, “is a battlefield.” Questions of power, rights, identity and nationhood always have an ancient and modern historical dimension and countries still go to war over their interpretation of history. Yet accounts of history are just as prone to fabrication as fake news, so how can we tell good history from bad? How can history be critical, learning from the past and righting wrongs, rather than divisive, such as riding roughshod over the rights of others? In this passionately argued book, Gildea suggests that the more people who really understand what good history entails, the more likely history is to triumph over myth. He sees positive signs in public history, citizen historians and community projects, among other developments. And he debunks claims that ‘you cannot rewrite history’, arguing that good history that’s attuned to its times must be rewritten time and again.

Write a comment/review

Help readers support local bookshops in their community.

Reader's Voices
Reader's Voices

Honest reviews and recommendations from fellow readers.

Join a club
Join a club

Connect with readers who share your interests.

Reading and clubs made for younger bookworms.

Real stories, ideas and expert insight.

Lose yourself in stories worth sharing.

eBooks
eBooks

Read anywhere, on any device.

Bookfellers rewards
Bookfellers rewards

Exclusive offers and perks for members.

Exclusive savings