Historiography

Reflecting on the Past

A valedictory column provides a chance to reflect on a decade grappling with what history is and how it should be written.

A ‘Creative Microhistory’ of a Medieval Manor

The distant past is not often illustrated with plentiful descriptions of everyday life. Instead, the picture has to be put together from different sources, piece by piece, like a jigsaw. But there are often still gaps, which can be filled with historically informed creativity. 

Fishing for the Facts

E.H. Carr’s belief that the histories we get depend on the questions we ask is more relevant than ever. 

Open Access, Closed Minds

Plans to measure the impact of historical research as if it were a science will mean fewer history books that excite the general reader. 

The Nazis Enter History

Will current crises make it possible to study the ‘uniquely evil’ Third Reich as if it were just another period of the past?

Raise Your Words

A classic work of history, now 20 years old, reminds us of the power of continuing education for all.