The New History

This thought-provoking work challenges traditional views of history by emphasizing its nature as a literary construction influenced by language, rather than merely a reflection of empirical sources. It explores the future of historical interpretation.

In The New History, Alun Munslow presents a thought-provoking examination of how we engage with the past, challenging traditional views of history through a post-modern lens. The book delves into the ongoing debate surrounding the concept of history, which has captivated both scholars and the general public. Munslow, recognized as a leading post-modern historian, expands the discussion by questioning the established modernist approach rooted in empiricism.

Munslow argues that history is not merely a collection of sources but rather a literary construction shaped by the language used to represent and interpret those sources. This perspective shifts the focus from seeking definitive meanings of the past to understanding that history generates multiple interpretations. The author posits that history, as a cultural narrative, cannot provide absolute truths about the past, but instead offers a variety of alternative meanings that reflect the complexities of human experience.

As the inaugural volume in a new series on historical thinking and practice, The New History is both accessible and engaging. Munslow's insights pave the way for a deeper understanding of the current state of historical discourse and suggest intriguing possibilities for its future. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the evolving nature of history and its implications for how we understand our past.