Deconstructing History

In Deconstructing History, Alun Munslow examines history in the postmodern age. He provides an introduction to the debates and issues of postmodernist history. He also surveys the latest research into the relationship between the past, history and historical practice as well as forwarding his own challenging theories. The book discusses issues of both empiricist and deconstruction positions and considers the arguments of major proponents of both stances, and includes: - an examination of the character of historical evidence - exploration of the role of historians - discussion of the failure of traditional historical methods - chapters on Hayden White and Michel Foucault - an evaluation of the importance of historical narrative - an up to date, comprehensive bibliography - an extensive and helpful glossary of difficult key terms. Deconstructing History maps the philosophical field, outlines the controversies involved and assesses the merits of the deconstructionist position. He argues that instead of beginning with the past history begin with its representation by historians.

Alun Munslow is principal lecturer in History, University of Staffordshire and editor of Rethinking History.

Introduction 1. The Past in a Changing Present 2. History as Reconstruction/Construction 3. History as Deconstruction 4. What is Wrong with Deconstructionist History? 5. What is Wrong with Michel Foucault and History 7. Hayden White and Deconstructionist History