Versions of History from Antiquity to the Enlightenment

by Donald R. Kelley (Editor)

The problems, purposes, and methods of history writing have been the subject of debate for almost three millennia. Should history be political or philosophical? Is the writing of history an art or a science? What are the limitations of history? This book is an intriguing collection of views on these and other aspects of history writing by eminent Western historians from early Greece to the end of the eighteenth century. The book contains major texts from 112 historians, both well-known and neglected, ranging from the “mythistories” of Homer and Hesiod to the “reasoned” and “philosophical” accounts of Vico and Voltaire. These texts discuss, for example, theories of historical change, problems of anachronism, narrative, and gender, questions of origins, causation, and historical patterns, and historical criticism. Donald R. Kelley, who selected and arranged the writings, also provides essays and commentary that give background material on the themes of historiography and on the authors included in the book

Genres: History

528 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1991

Reviews

[Sasha (bahareads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A grad school read that I do not have many thoughts about, is shocking! It's a good source for past historians and their views and methodology on history. I wouldn't say this is for the layman.

[Aisha Manus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not terrible! Actually for a book that’s clearly for the graduate level and above, the language was pretty readable during the introductions and conclusions. I would say it’s a good source for past historians and their take on history.