Making History Now and Then

Making History Now and Then examines how historians approach and write about the past, both in contemporary times and throughout different historical periods. This collection of essays by David Cannadine explores the evolving nature of historical research, writing, and interpretation. The book analyzes multiple aspects of historical practice, from biography writing to the role of the archive in modern scholarship. Cannadine draws on examples from British history and historiography while examining how different generations of historians have approached their craft. The text includes discussions of specific historians and their contributions to the field, along with reflections on historical institutions and methodologies. Through case studies and analysis, Cannadine demonstrates the various ways historians have shaped our understanding of the past. At its core, this work raises questions about objectivity, interpretation, and the relationship between present circumstances and our view of history. The essays collectively suggest that historical writing is influenced by both the era in which it is produced and the methods available to researchers.

Readers value Cannadine's clear writing style and his ability to merge several historical perspectives into cohesive arguments, particularly in the chapters covering British imperial history. Multiple reviewers note his balanced analysis of how historical narratives evolve over time. Readers highlighted: - Strong examination of how historians approach their craft - Detailed analysis of Churchill's historical writings - Insights into British class structure research Common criticisms: - Some chapters feel disconnected from the main themes - Too much focus on British history at expense of other regions - Academic tone can be dense for general readers Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (12 ratings) Amazon: 4.0/5 (7 ratings) JSTOR: 4 reviews - all positive "The chapters on historiography provide valuable insights for both students and scholars" - Academic reviewer on H-Net "Dense but rewarding analysis of how we write about the past" - Goodreads reviewer

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🔹 David Cannadine served as the president of the British Academy from 2017-2021, making him one of Britain's most influential historians during that period. 🔹 The book examines how historians' personal backgrounds and the era they live in significantly influence their interpretation of historical events - particularly in their analysis of the British Empire. 🔹 Throughout the work, Cannadine challenges the traditional "rise and fall" narrative of British history, suggesting instead that historical patterns are more complex and cyclical. 🔹 The author wrote this book while serving as the Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Professor of British History at the Institute of Historical Research, a position specifically created to honor the Queen Mother's memory. 🔹 Making History Now and Then dedicates significant attention to the role of biography in historical writing, exploring how individual life stories can illuminate broader historical trends and social changes.