This broad survey introduces readers to the major themes, figures, traditions and theories in Western historical thought, tracing its evolution from biblical times to the present.
- Surveys the evolution of historical thought in the Western World from biblical times to the present day.
- Provides students with the background to contemporary historical debates and approaches.
- Serves as a useful reference for researchers and teachers.
- Includes chapters by 24 leading historians.
List of Contributors viii
Acknowledgments xii
Introduction: The Cultural History of Historical Thought 1
Lloyd Kramer and Sarah Maza
PART I THE PRE-MODERN ORIGINS OF WESTERN HISTORICAL THOUGHT
1 Historiography in Ancient Israel 15
John Van Seters
2 Historical Thought in Ancient Greece 35
Philip A. Stadter
3 Historical Thought in Ancient Rome 60
J. E. Lendon
4 Historical Thought in Medieval Europe 78
Gabrielle M. Spiegel
5 Historical Thought in the Renaissance 99
Paula Findlen
PART II THE SHAPING OF MODERN WESTERN HISTORICAL THOUGHT
6 Historical Thought in the Era of the Enlightenment 123
Johnson Kent Wright
7 German Historical Thought in the Age of Herder, Kant, and Hegel 143
Harold Mah
8 German Historical Writing from Ranke to Weber: The Primacy of Politics 166
Harry Liebersohn