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History and Memory

Exploring the interplay of memory and historical narratives

Jacques Le Goff author Steven Rendall translator Elizabeth Claman translator

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Columbia University Press

Published:27th Sep '96

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History and Memory cover

This insightful exploration of historical narratives examines the enduring relationship between memory and history, as seen in History and Memory.

In History and Memory, the author offers a profound exploration of how historical narratives are shaped and understood over time. By delving into the evolution of historiography, the book highlights the complex relationship between memory and history, illustrating how our perceptions of the past are influenced by both cultural and temporal contexts. The author meticulously examines the contrasts and connections between various forms of history, including oral traditions and written records, providing a comprehensive view of how these elements interact.

The narrative unfolds by contrasting ancient and modern perspectives, revealing that the act of remembering history is not merely a passive recollection but an active engagement with the past. Through this lens, History and Memory challenges readers to consider how history is constructed and the implications of these constructions on our understanding of identity and culture. By tracing the lineage of historical thought from ancient Mesopotamia to contemporary Europe, the book uncovers the enduring threads that bind different epochs together.

Ultimately, History and Memory serves as a meditation on the nature of history itself, prompting readers to reflect on the significance of memory in shaping our collective consciousness. It invites us to ponder how we remember, what we choose to forget, and the narratives we create in the process of historical interpretation.

Historiography has its fashions, and this is a clear and persuasive portrayal of a present trend away from the fraternization of history with philosophy, theology, literature and the history of the plastic arts, toward a flirtation with politics and the social sciences...A fine study. The Historian

ISBN: 9780231075916

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

288 pages