The Meaning of History: A Dictionary of Quotations

(Hardback)

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This work examines the literature of history and its attempts to define the meaning of history. 3000 quotations by some 1000 philosophers, writers and historians offer diverse interpretations of the significance of historical study, ranging from history viewed as "bunk" to history elevated to lyric poetry. The entries, arranged alphabetically by author, represent a variety of cultures and disciplines, and are documented as fully as possible by context, author, the author's birth and death dates and vocation. Topics such as the role of the historian, the definition of history, the purpose of the study of history and the value that history imparts broaden the scope of the work and enliven the dabate over the meaning of history. Scholars, historians and students may welcome this study, which illustrates that the definition of history is as varied and complex as the human experience it chronicles.

Reviews

"[This is] a virtually exhaustive selection of the definitions of history given by a large number of past and present historians. The major contribution of this volume is that it underscores the great variety of approaches to the subject which have been taken by historians. Hopefully, it may counteract the current impression of professional historians that only analytical and explanatory approaches are valid. The volume should also be of value not only for classes in historiography but also for reference use by beginning history students who will gain thereby some comprehension of the variety of historical approaches which have been followed in the past."- Earl R. Beck Professor Emeritus of History Florida State University
"The Meaning of History is a volume of inestimable value that will be essential reading for all students of history."-Richard C. Lukas, Ph.D., L.H.D. Wright State University
"This is a most valuable book for anyone interested in the study and understanding of history. It provides a handy summary and reference of how, over many centuries, important individuals have viewed and defined this all encompassing discipline. To have this information brought together in a single volume is a highly significant contribution. Not only should libraries have copies of The Meaning of History, but every professional historian will find it most useful."- Gilbert C. Fite Richard B. Russell Professor of History, Emeritus University of Georgia

Author Bio

N. GORDON CARPER is the Dana Professor of History at Berry College in Mount Berry, Georgia. His articles have appeared in the Florida Historical Quarterly, Phylon, and the Encyclopedia of Southern History. He is currently working on a forthcoming book on forced labor in the New South. JOYCE CARPER is a Reading Specialist in the Georgia Public Schools. She received her Master's Degree in the History of Public Address from Florida State University, and she has taught speech and English at the college level.