Forum

At a time when arts subjects in universities are under attack, on the grounds that they make no direct contribution to the economic well-being of the nation, and when the financial provision for them is likely to be substantially reduced, I think we need to take another look at the way in which we teach history and to reconsider its relevance to our students. Thomas Fuller, writing on the eve of the Civil War, described history as a 'velvet study and recreation work' and assured his readers that if they chose to dabble in it they would run no danger of hurting their 'tender hands with thornie school-questions'.