Navigating World History: Historians Create a Global Past

by Patrick Manning

World history has expanded dramatically in recent years, primarily as a teaching field, and increasingly as a research field. Growing numbers of teachers and Ph.Ds in history are required to teach the subject. They must be current on topics from human evolution to industrial development in Song-dynasty China to today's disease patterns - and then link these disparate topics into a coherent course. Numerous textbooks in print and in preparation summarize the field of world history at an introductory level. But good teaching also requires advanced training for teachers, and access to a stream of new research from scholars trained as world historians. In this book, Patrick Manning provides the first comprehensive overview of the academic field of world history. He reviews patterns of research and debate, and proposes guidelines for study by teachers and by researchers in world history.

Genres: History, World History, Nonfiction

438 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2003

Reviews

[Chris Cook · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was for my world history seminar. I don't think it's a book that most people would just read for fun, but it has some good information about the historiography of world history.

[Ljuneosborne · Rating 1 out of 5]

I suffered through this book for a world history class, it has to be one of the driest pieces of printed material I have ever laid eyes on. When I first began reading it, I thought that it might be interesting, as it focuses on how historians document history, something I've never really thought of before. But now I know why I've never thought of it. It's boring.

Perhaps this book has simply given me a poor first impression of the subject. Manning seems out of touch with anything modern(referring to 'the internet and the world wide web'), and the book generally seems outdated, though it's supposed to be an updated version of the original, which was published in 1941. Maybe there's a book out there similar to this one that is simply amazing, written by someone else for the average curious person. Though I doubt I'll go out of my way to find it.

I wouldn't recommend this to anyone, unless you're a professor or graduate student, as the book says that is its intended audience. If you're simply curious, don't waste your time.

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book for cataloging trends in world history study and methods for world history study.

[Jessie · Rating 1 out of 5]

One professor's view of the emerging study of global history, this book was informative but very poorly written and a very, very dull read.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good historiography of the study and teaching of world history. Leaves me with as many questions as before, but at least I see that others are asking the same questions too.