2nd Edition

Deconstructing History

By Alun Munslow Copyright 2006
    256 Pages
    by Routledge

    232 Pages
    by Routledge

    Surveying the latest research, this welcome second edition of Alun Munslow’s successful Deconstructing History provides an excellent introduction to the debates and issues of postmodernist history.

    This new edition has been updated and revised and, along with the original discussion material and topics, now:

    • assesses the claims of history as a form of ‘truthful’ explanation
    • discusses the limits of conventional historical thinking and practice, and the responses of the ‘new empiricists’ to the book’s central arguments
    • examines the arrival of ‘experimental history’ and its implications
    • clarifies the utility of addressing Michael Foucault and Hayden White, and strengthens the analysis of Frank R. Ankersmit’s recent work.

    Along with an updated glossary, and a revised bibliography, this second edition will not only live up to its predecessor’s reputation, but will surpass it as the most essential student resource for studying history and its practice.

    1. Introduction  2. The Past in a Changing Present  3. History as Reconstruction/Construction  4. History as Deconstruction  5. What is Wrong with Deconstructionist History?  6. What is Wrong with Reconstructionist/Constructionist History?  7. Michel Foucault and History  8. Hayden White and Deconstructionist History  9. Conclusion

    Biography

    Alun Munslow is principal lecturer in History, University of Staffordshire and editor of Rethinking History .