Why Not Let The Leaning Tower Collapse?: and other essays examining what we think of as 'history'

by Daniel Snowman

Daniel Snowman is a social and cultural historian. His latest book is a collection of some of the more provocative essays he has published over many decades that examine how we use and abuse ‘history’.



If the past is everything that has ever happened, he asks, why does what we call ‘history’ keep changing? What (or who) causes historical change? Could aspects of the past itself have been different? What do we choose to retain as our ‘heritage’ – and why? Are ‘the arts’ part of history or merely illustrative of it? Is Auschwitz in danger of becoming just another historical museum? Should the leaning Tower of Pisa be allowed to fall in the interests of ‘historical authenticity’?



Daniel also wonders why historians are supposedly brilliant at explaining everything that has ever happened in the past – yet useless at predicting the future? In the wise words of the great French historian Marc Bloch (who was executed by the Nazis in 1944):

'Misunderstanding of the present is the inevitable consequence of ignorance of the past.’

Kindle Edition

Published October 23, 2024

Reviews

[Leila Benali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Carole for pointing me toward Why Not Let The Leaning Tower Collapse?, what an eye opening book! Snowman’s essays make you question how much of history is real and how much is interpretation. I love how he connects cultural memory with moral responsibility. Every page makes me stop and think.

[Hans Andersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found this in our book club today, what a discovery! Snowman turns history into a living conversation rather than a list of facts. Everyone in our group is already debating whether the Leaning Tower should fall or stay. Brilliant!

[Matteo Romano · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is packed with wisdom and perspective, but can we talk about the cover? It doesn’t do justice to what’s inside. The essays feel vibrant and timeless, yet the cover gives off an old-fashioned vibe. The content deserves a modern, eye-catching design that reflects its depth.

[Amina Hassan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carole really knows how to pick a thought-provoking read. Snowman dives into the way we reshape the past to suit our present, a theme that feels so relevant right now. The “Leaning Tower” analogy is pure brilliance. Loving every essay so far.

[Rajesh Patel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loving the essays so far, the ideas are sharp, elegant, and important. But I agree with others: the cover needs a refresh. It looks dated, while the writing feels alive and forward-thinking. A new cover could help this reach the wider audience it truly deserves.

[Caleb Dawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is truly enlightening and deeply moving. Snowman’s insights resonate with both heart and mind. My only gentle suggestion is a refreshed cover to better match the depth and power of the words inside.

[David Brown]

Daniel Snowman’s eclectic collection of essays on a vast range of topics is well worth the time reading. I was especially drawn to the several essays dealing with Opera.

[Willow Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Currently reading this fascinating collection, thanks to Carole for introducing us to such a thought-provoking read!

[Zoey Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Currently reading this gem, thank you, Carole, for recommending such a thought-provoking exploration of how history shapes and reshapes itself!

[Zach Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carole, what a find! I’m halfway through and completely fascinated by how Snowman questions our perception of history.

[Aiden Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Currently reading this with our book club, and the discussions it sparks are phenomenal!

[Benjamin Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picked this up from our book club’s list, what a brilliant deep dive into the way we interpret history.