Refiguring History: New Thoughts On an Old Discipline

by Keith Jenkins

In this engaging sequel to Rethinking History , Keith Jenkins argues for a re-figuration of historical study. At the core of his survey lies the realization that objective and disinterested histories as well as historical 'truth' are unachievable. The past and questions about the nature of history remain interminably open to new and disobedient approaches.
Jenkins reassesses conventional history in a bold fashion. His committed and radical study presents new ways of 'thinking history', a new methodology and philosophy and their impact on historical practice. This volume is written for students and teachers of history, illuminating and changing the core of their discipline.

Genres: History

Hardcover

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Keith Jenkins is a British historiographer. Like Hayden White and other "postmodern" historiographers, Jenkins believes that any historian's output should be seen as a story. A work of history is as much about the historian's own world view and ideological positions as it is about past events. This means that different historians will inevitably ascribe different meaning to the same historical events.

Jenkins is professor in history at the University of Chichester.

Reviews

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

For my second dissertation field.

[Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

A postmodern view of history is the way to go, and Jenkins makes a successful point for just that view. To Jenkins, there is no objective truth, all points or arguments need to be heard, and I am inclined to agree, as ludicrous as some opinions may be.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good overview for postmodern history, though the language is perhaps a bit inaccessible for the causal reader. Jenkins is a leading voice in the field, however, and certainly deserves a read.