Historiography: Ancient, Medieval, and Modern

by Ernst Breisach

In this pioneering work, Ernst Breisach presents an effective, well-organized, and concise account of the development of historiography in Western culture. Neither a handbook nor an encyclopedia, this up-to-date third edition narrates and interprets the development of historiography from its origins in Greek poetry to the present, with compelling sections on postmodernism, deconstructionism, African-American history, women’s history, microhistory, the Historikerstreit , cultural history, and more. The definitive look at the writing of history by a historian, Historiography provides key insights into some of the most important issues, debates and innovations in modern historiography.

Praise for the first “Breisach’s comprehensive coverage of the subject and his clear presentation of the issues and the complexity of an evolving discipline easily make his work the best of its kind.”—Lester D. Stephens, American Historical Review

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Academic, College, World History, Grad School

503 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1983

Reviews

[Jorge Morales · Rating 4 out of 5]

Impressively detailed accounts on the evolution of writing history. Basically, this book is about the history of history. It begins since the early writings of Homer (The Illiad and The Oddessy) throughout our twenty-first century. It is an academic or scholarly book, not very popular out of that audience. However, it is a well-developed work by Ernst Breisach. So far, my favorite Greco-Roman Historian is Polybius (200 B.C.-118 B.C.).

Favorite quote: "However, history must above all teach lessons to those active in public life, who can then apply the lessons to the present." p.49.

[Jade Porter]

ITS OVER!!!! BEST DAY OF MY LIFE

[David]

A massive survey which attempts to explain the history of how history gets written. My favourite irony is that, as time passes, any chance of a unifying global history fades and is replaced by a series of examinations of the regional, the particular, the individual and/or small community, until the impossibility of achieving a single unifying human history becomes a characteristic of every attempt at inscribing human history. The one thing we all have in common is that there is no one thing we all have in common.

[Jeff]

Reminds me how little I understand about Post-Modernist theories.

[Gregory Pedersen · Rating 3 out of 5]

So you want to be a historian eh? This book is a valuable resource to history, or better yet the history of history, but while certain sections I found fascinating, other sections seemed to drone on forever into a void of monotony. Seeing as it was a required read for one of my Graduate classes, the "enjoyability" factor wasn't there most of the time. However, as I had stated before this book is still indispensable for anyone who needs or wants to know anything about historiography.

[Victoria Mottram · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whilst a comprehensive analysis of the history of historiography, I found the work inaccessible and difficult to read. It took me a long time and a few restarts before I succeeded. I would recommend it to history students as it can help frame a text within its historiographical context, but do not attempt to read it from cover to cover as you will emerge a bewildered and aged individual.

[Meg Perry · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting discussion of why history gets written the way it does.

[Lucas Sipe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure why this work has such a low average review score. Ernst Breisach has crafted a marvelous, intense, and rich study of how history has been written in the West since the ancient Greeks to the eve of the 21st century. With such a large scope, one could easily fall into the trap of superficiality, but every page of this tome is so full of detail and scholarship that one can only absorb so much in one reading. Maybe people weren't expecting such a dense work of historiography, but that's an issue with them and not the work itself. It's readily apparent why this work has been a staple in graduate level history courses, and I think it really shines as a sort of dictionary of history. One full read through might be enough, but over the years, I'll assuredly find myself consulting parts and sections of this work for an insight.
That being said, I think the work has one major flaw. From the beginning of history to the dawn of the Renaissance, Ernst has done good work. From the Renaissance to the Reformation to the Enlightenment, Ernst has done great work. That section of history developing into something new is definitely the highlight of Historiography. But as the work turns to modernity, roughly the part in the book after Marxist history, the work stalls and becomes much more muddled. That might be a result of that era, so many competition thoughts and ideas, but Breisach doesn't navigate it quite as well as he did earlier. It was the hardest section to get through, even if certain subchapters were interesting.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this work and hope others can look past the imposing size and density and appreciate it for what it is. The large bibliography at the end will prove to invaluable as well. For any serious student of history in the western tradition can only benefit from the inclusion of Ernst in their library.

[Peter Toth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is actually a really good starting point if someone wants to get more in-depth with the history of "writing history". Sounds weird huh? Still, going through the different ancient sources from Herodotus to late Roman works, looking at the middle ages brings a whole cavalcade of ecclesiastical and profane thoughts, it is a useful summary for historians. There's a lot of information, lots of names who wrote chronicles and the names of their works, this is not for easy learning, but more for going deeper if someone has committed to a specific era of investigation or research.

[Frederick · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very important reference work. On my second read I tried to understand some of Breisach's conclusions better. But, there are some things he draws together that I simply don't see. Still, this is a great help in understanding how the writing of history changed over the millennia. Who writes history and what they believe is as important or more important than what they write. No one is impartial or without presuppositions.

[Cody · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so overwhelming that it took me about 4 years to finish it. Im glad I powered through though. Its about the history of how history has been written and understood and it really brings up so many difficult questions. I feel like I learned more from this book about the idea of "history" than from any other book I've read. Its a very difficult read though.

[José Angel Hernández · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read for background on lectures and perhaps discussion, but the constant dropping of names and individuals confuses students...but worth the read because of author's analysis of the theme over 3 editions...

[Aisha Manus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Relatively readable to the average reader, which is kind of nice to not have to deal with too much academic jargon. Pretty thorough, though he completely leaves out Mary Beard, which I think is a terrible shame! Only recommend to someone studying history in college.

[Mark Joubert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very thorough with a large exposure to the methods and primary sources of historians since the Greeks.

Sad that it did not address Eastern historiography. Should be titled "Western Historiography" since that is the tradition it traces.

[Michael Nielsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very difficult read. It did however open my eyes to really the history of historical development. It also renews the interest for a narrative of history for me.

[Belle Meade School]

907.2

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well researched and thorough!

[Marisa Pickett · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's not Breisach's fault historiography is the worst and most boring subject.

[Sasha (bahareads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

grad school reads - no thoughts just vibes.

[Garden Utensil]

birthday gift from Margaret! she sent me Ch 6 - 11, which is what I read.

good stuff.
Scotus was here.

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ernst Breisach���s book, ���Historiography��� is best summarized by his comments in the introduction on page 2. He states,

���Every important new discovery about the past changes how we think about the present and what we expect of the future; on the other hand every change in the conditions of the present and in the expectations for the future revises our perception of the past.���

What was very evident from the begin portions of his book was the implication of one���s presuppositions in approaching the idea of history; what I have come to understand in textual interpretation as eisegesis. In other words, my contemporary culture, my view of sociology, my understanding of anthropology, my political views, and my mood/disposition all have dramatic affects and effects upon my interpretation and assessment of history. Furthermore, all of the above issues impact my view of current and future events. They are instrumental in forming my epistemology and worldview in which I then impose over top of history for interpretation.

Not only is this true for me as a reader of history, the original historian was also impacted by their own view of sociology, anthropology, politics, culture, etc��� These forces impacted their drafting of history. The way in which they arranged the material, what they decided to highlight, what they chose to leave out and the amount that they recorded on certain subjects versus other subjects are all a direct result of their own presuppositions, mood, sociological views, anthropology understandings and cultural environment of their specific time period.

Taking this yet to another dimension, Breisach showed me how one���s interpretive lens is impacted not only by the present, but also how the past and future impact one���s historiography. For example, the events of the past have been and will continue to impact our view of the present. Our historical narratives (i.e. narratives of country, narratives of family, narratives of faith, etc���) shape us, guide us and many times compel us. Our historical narratives can inspire us in the present and they many times form our hopes about the future. Therefore, the influences of our history shape and form our present lives which inadvertently shapes the way we then look back and assess our historical narratives; almost a circular motion. Carrying this dialogue a bit further, Breisach also revealed to me how our hopes, desires and aspirations for the future also form our view of the past and shape the present. Thus the past, present and future are all consequently linked together. The past impacts, shapes and guides our present and future. The present and aspirations of the future reversely form our lens in which we view the past. This link between past, present and future, ���destroys history���s image as an activity resembling idle rummaging in a bag of dry leaves and makes it into an activity necessary for human life. ��� In other words, history cannot be left to an isolated period in the past, bound to rigid dates. Rather, Breisach���s view of history sees the idea of history as being actively involved in forming and shaping a person���s epistemology or for that matter their worldview. His view of history is a view of history with flesh on it.

The challenge for any student of history today is the daunting task of assessing history in light of their own presuppositions and the current influences of culture. Once this has been assessed, the other dimension is that of assessing the presuppositions of the original author and the cultural context of the time in which the material was written. One must keep in mind that the historical author was also impacted by the past, present and future hopes just as the reader of the present is.

Crudely put, Ernst Breisach���s book pushed me to lose my historical virginity. His assessment of history definitely was enlightening and did not drive things to simplicity but rather revealed the complexity of history. This inevitably brings history to a new understanding of making it an art, a skill, and something that demands our patience, respect and consideration.

[Matthew Richard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ernst Breisach’s book, “Historiography” is best summarized by his comments in the introduction on page 2. He states,

“Every important new discovery about the past changes how we think about the present and what we expect of the future; on the other hand every change in the conditions of the present and in the expectations for the future revises our perception of the past.”

What was very evident from the begin portions of his book was the implication of one’s presuppositions in approaching the idea of history; what I have come to understand in textual interpretation as eisegesis. In other words, my contemporary culture, my view of sociology, my understanding of anthropology, my political views, and my mood/disposition all have dramatic affects and effects upon my interpretation and assessment of history. Furthermore, all of the above issues impact my view of current and future events. They are instrumental in forming my epistemology and worldview in which I then impose over top of history for interpretation.

Not only is this true for me as a reader of history, the original historian was also impacted by their own view of sociology, anthropology, politics, culture, etc… These forces impacted their drafting of history. The way in which they arranged the material, what they decided to highlight, what they chose to leave out and the amount that they recorded on certain subjects versus other subjects are all a direct result of their own presuppositions, mood, sociological views, anthropology understandings and cultural environment of their specific time period.

Taking this yet to another dimension, Breisach showed me how one’s interpretive lens is impacted not only by the present, but also how the past and future impact one’s historiography. For example, the events of the past have been and will continue to impact our view of the present. Our historical narratives (i.e. narratives of country, narratives of family, narratives of faith, etc…) shape us, guide us and many times compel us. Our historical narratives can inspire us in the present and they many times form our hopes about the future. Therefore, the influences of our history shape and form our present lives which inadvertently shapes the way we then look back and assess our historical narratives; almost a circular motion. Carrying this dialogue a bit further, Breisach also revealed to me how our hopes, desires and aspirations for the future also form our view of the past and shape the present. Thus the past, present and future are all consequently linked together. The past impacts, shapes and guides our present and future. The present and aspirations of the future reversely form our lens in which we view the past. This link between past, present and future, “destroys history’s image as an activity resembling idle rummaging in a bag of dry leaves and makes it into an activity necessary for human life. ” In other words, history cannot be left to an isolated period in the past, bound to rigid dates. Rather, Breisach’s view of history sees the idea of history as being actively involved in forming and shaping a person’s epistemology or for that matter their worldview. His view of history is a view of history with flesh on it.

The challenge for any student of history today is the daunting task of assessing history in light of their own presuppositions and the current influences of culture. Once this has been assessed, the other dimension is that of assessing the presuppositions of the original author and the cultural context of the time in which the material was written. One must keep in mind that the historical author was also impacted by the past, present and future hopes just as the reader of the present is.

Crudely put, Ernst Breisach’s book pushed me to lose my historical virginity. His assessment of history definitely was enlightening and did not drive things to simplicity but rather revealed the complexity of history. This inevitably brings history to a new understanding of making it an art, a skill, and something that demands our patience, respect and consideration.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting enough...but I think the subject is overly broad for such a compact volume.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

In pursuit of a master’s degree in history, I just completed a required historiography course, and I can say two things unequivocally: First, it was the most applicable class I have yet taken in the study of history; second, this book was, along with Donald Kelley’s Versions of History (4 Stars), the backbone text for the course.
Breisach answers well the question: what role did historians play in shaping Western culture? He begins with the emergence of Greek historiography as they endeavored to come to grips with their past and Homer’s development of timeless gods and heroes in the Iliad and Odyssey. In the era of the polis, Breisach covers Herodotus, the “father of history,” and one of the greatest historians of all, Thucydides, and his epic covering of the Peloponnesian War.
Breisach covers essentially every Western historian and historiographical movement of consequence through the 20th century. For the lay historian, this book is practically a one-stop-shop for the understanding of historiography, and it will certainly be one of the first stops for the student.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is an incredible journey through historiography that journeys from Herodotus to American historians such as Hart and Morison. An intriging and exciting viewpoint of history and what history means through the study of history. Breisach has researched intensely for this book and it shine through as the book is a shining example of the history of history. Enjoyed the book but couldnt give it a higher rating because it is meant more for the history student and most would find it dull and uninteresting. I believe all history students should read this and study it as I have been forced to do this semester in my graduate class.

[L · Rating 5 out of 5]

A comprehensive overview of how history was perceived and recorded in different periods and what direct or indirect forces were brought on bear in this decision making process. Not a dry book by any standard and is accessable to readers not fully familiar with the study of history itself. One of the better books of its kind. Certainly one of the better historiography books I read. The author keeps his opinion to himself, or to a minimum, so one is not confused between what the author believes the historian really meant to say and what the historian actually stated.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Breisach wrote in a thorough, comprehensive manner beginning with the history of Homer's writings through Post-modernism. I enjoyed the extensive research and writing style, especially when I compared Breisach's historiography with other texts on the subject. I knew very, very little when I began the Historiography course, but I learned much from the professor and the text. I have continued to reference it in future classes much to my success. Unbelievably, there are many texts available on historiography, and I am very thankful our professor chose Breisach's work.

[Tyson Guthrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historians interested in a scholarly survey of their enterprise will delight in Breisach's Historiography. The other 99.9% of the reading public will scratch their heads at my use of "delight" for this thick and dense tome. Breisach is "scholarly" in that he raises concerns and questions specific to intensive historical inquiry, but properly a "survey" because he limits interaction with secondary literature and the endless citations that would accompany it.
If I were a history chair at a college or university, Breisach would be required reading for all of my faculty.

[J. Dale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Breisach does a good job surveying each of the major periods of history, and examining how historians have gone about recording the events and people of the time. History is seen as both science and art, and the historians own cultural, emotional, political and religious predispositions are important considerations in understanding how, what, and why certain facts, details and variations appear in various historical accounts. A very good survey for the subject of Historiography.

[Mark Singer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Essential text on the history of history. Although not overly complex, the casual reader may get overwhelmed by the different approaches to the writing of history and how it has changed over the centuries. My only regret is that the title should be "Western" Historiography. There is nothing from Chinese, Indian, or other sources besides that of western Europe.