Who is to say how things really were? In formulating a modern answer to the question 'What is History?' Professor Carr shows that the 'facts' of history are simply those which historians have selected for scrutiny. Millions have crossed the Rubicon, but the historians tell us that only Caesar's crossing was significant. All historical facts come to us as a result of interpretative choices by historians influenced by the standards of their age. Yet if absolute objectivity is impossible, the role of the historian need in no way suffer; nor does history lose its fascination.
With lucidity, Carr casts a light on the proper function of the historian and the vital importance of history in modern society.
“This is an admirably stimulating and intrepid book, a bold excursion into a region of central importance where most contemporary philosophers and historians, unaccountably, either fear or disdain to tread.”—Isaiah Berlin, New Statesman
- ISBN10 039470391X
- ISBN13 9780394703916
- Publish Date 12 October 1967 (first published December 1961)
- Publish Status Active
- Out of Print 23 November 2015
- Publish Country US
- Publisher Random House USA Inc
- Imprint Random House USA Children's Books
- Format Paperback (US Trade)
- Pages 224
- Language English
- URL https://penguinrandomhouse.com/books/isbn/9780394703916