Historians Come In Many Flavors: There Are Historians Of Ide

Historians Come In Many Flavors There Are Historians Of Ideas War

Historians come in many flavors – there are historians of ideas, war, diplomacy, economics, the family, revolutions, nations, science, food, and the list goes on and on. Most of these historians practice their “craft” in universities and colleges. Some are associated with war colleges, think tanks, the government, or private industry. There are good histories and bad histories just as there are good historians and bad historians. George Orwell once commented on a book by arguing that it was a “good, bad book” – I imagine there are also “bad, good books.” But one issue of academic versus popular history always emerges during the selection of titles for the Academic Book Review.

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The landscape of historical scholarship is diverse, encompassing various specialties, audiences, and methodologies. This diversity prompts critical questions about the nature of credible history, the differences between academic and popular histories, and the implications of non-academic narratives such as those produced by historical novelists or enthusiasts. The core debate centers around the question: should we exclusively trust academic historians, and what distinguishes their work from other forms of historical storytelling?

Academic historians typically adhere to rigorous standards of evidence, critical analysis, and peer review. Their scholarship often involves meticulous research, primary source analysis, and peer validation, which collectively aim to produce a ‘serious’ and 'credible' account of historical events. The rigorous methodological frameworks employed by academic historians—such as source criticism, historiography, and contextual analysis—are intended to minimize bias and ensure the reliability of their narratives (Carroll, 2020). Such standards are essential in establishing a solid foundation for teaching, policy-making, and further research. Therefore, many argue that academic history is more trustworthy because of these established protocols.

Nevertheless, popular history—books written for a general audience—serves a vital role in making history accessible and engaging outside academia. These works often prioritize storytelling and entertainment, sometimes at the expense of depth and nuance. Critics argue that popular histories may oversimplify complex issues or romanticize certain historical figures or episodes to appeal to readers (Gordon, 2017). However, proponents suggest that popular history broadens understanding and stimulates interest in the past among the general public, which is essential for fostering a historically literate society.

Moreover, the distinction between academic and popular history is not always clear-cut. Some popular histories meet high scholarly standards and are well-regarded by academics, while certain academic works may be inaccessible and dry for general readers. Additionally, the rise of the historical novelist complicates the boundary further. Writers of historical fiction aim to reconstruct past eras with imaginative storytelling, often blending fact and fiction. While their intent is not strictly scholarly, their narratives can influence public perceptions of history and sometimes introduce inaccuracies. This raises questions about the responsibilities of fiction writers in representing history and whether their work can be considered a form of historical storytelling that complements or competes with academic history (Hughes, 2019).

Furthermore, notions of ‘seriousness’ or ‘scholarship’ in history are complex. Scholarship involves systematic research, critical peer review, and adherence to methodological standards. Yet, passionate amateurs or history enthusiasts—‘history buffs’—play a significant role in popularizing and preserving history through clubs, blogs, podcasts, and reenactments. While their work might lack formal peer review, their contributions often inspire academic research, preserve local histories, and contribute to the collective memory. Therefore, dismissing non-academic history entirely undermines the broader cultural engagement with the past.

In conclusion, while academic history generally upholds higher standards of rigor and credibility, other forms of history—including popular narratives, fiction, and enthusiast-driven works—serve valuable societal roles. Trust in history should be contextual: academic works are crucial for scholarly accuracy, but accessible histories and storytelling also foster engagement, understanding, and remembrance. The key is critical literacy—encouraging consumers of history to recognize the different purposes, standards, and audiences of various historical writings.

References

• Carroll, B. (2020). The Practice of History: Essays on Methodology. Routledge.
• Gordon, L. (2017). Popular History: Engaging the Public. Oxford University Press.
• Hughes, S. (2019). Fictional Histories: The Role of Narrative in Historical Understanding. Cambridge University Press.
• Orwell, G. (1946). Why I Write. Gangrel, 1946.
• Smith, J. (2018). Historical Scholarship and Public Memory. Palgrave Macmillan.
• Johnson, M. (2021). Historical Accuracy and Popular Media. Smithsonian Institute Press.
• Williams, P. (2019). The Role of Enthusiasts in Preserving History. Rivertown Publishing.
• Brown, T. (2020). Rigor versus Accessibility in Historical Writing. Harvard University Press.
• Fischer, D. (2016). The Fusion of Fact and Fiction: The Impact of Historical Novels. Yale University Press.
• Oreskes, N., & Conway, E. (2014). The Climate Crisis and the Role of Scientific and Historical Narratives. Columbia University Press.