History as a Profession

This work offers an insightful examination of the French historical profession during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, highlighting its social, academic, and political contexts while challenging misconceptions about its practitioners.

History as a Profession offers a detailed exploration of the French historical profession during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, just prior to the rise of the renowned Annales school of historians. The author, Pim den Boer, situates this profession within its broader social, academic, and political contexts, arguing against the notion that historians of this era were merely amateurish compared to their successors. By examining the landscape of historical writing, den Boer reveals the depth and complexity of the historiography of the time.

The book begins with an overview of French historiography in the nineteenth century, highlighting the volume of historical work produced, the topics addressed, and the individuals involved in the field. Den Boer illustrates the growing influence of professional historians and the increasing engagement of the national government in historical studies. He emphasizes the role of various political factions, from ultraroyalists to radical republicans, in shaping historical discourse and research.

Additionally, den Boer delves into the evolution of historical research and education in schools and universities, showcasing how the methodologies and insights of nineteenth-century historians laid the groundwork for future historiography. Through a combination of statistical analysis, biographical sketches, and methodological discussions, he provides a comprehensive understanding of both prominent and lesser-known historians, including influential figures like Charles Seignobos and Charles-Victor Langlois. This work ultimately serves as a valuable contribution to the understanding of the historical profession and its development over time.