What Is History? – Edward Hallett Carr

1. Full Citation

Carr, E.H. (1961) What Is History?. London: Macmillan.

2. Introduction

What Is History? is a foundational work in historiography, exploring the nature of historical knowledge, the role of the historian, and the interpretation of past events. Edward Hallett Carr critically examines how history is constructed and understood.

3. Author Background and Credentials

Edward Hallett Carr (1892–1982) was a British historian and diplomat, known for his influential contributions to the philosophy of history and international relations.

4. Summary of Contents

Key themes include:

  1. Nature of Historical Facts
    • Relationship between facts and interpretation.
  2. Role of the Historian
    • Subjectivity and objectivity in historical writing.
  3. History and Truth
    • Challenges of historical accuracy.
  4. History and Morality
    • Ethical considerations in historiography.
  5. History’s Purpose
    • Understanding the past to inform the present.

5. Critical Evaluation

a. Coherence and Argumentation

Clear and thought-provoking exploration of historiographical issues.

b. Originality and Intellectual Contribution

Pioneering examination of the philosophy behind history writing.

c. Evidence, Sources, and Method

Draws on examples from historical scholarship and theory.

d. Style and Accessibility

Academic prose, accessible to scholars and serious students.

e. Limitations and Critiques

Some arguments considered dated or overly deterministic.

6. Comparative Context

Compared with:

  • R.G. Collingwood’s The Idea of History – Philosophy of history
  • Leopold von Ranke’s works – Empirical historical methodology
  • Hayden White’s Metahistory – Narrative structures in history

7. Thematic or Disciplinary Relevance

Relevant to:

  • Historiography and philosophy of history
  • Historical method and theory
  • Ethics in historical writing
  • Education and scholarship

8. Reflection or Practical Application

Encourages critical awareness of the interpretive nature of history.

9. Conclusion

What Is History? remains a seminal text guiding historians in understanding the complexities of historical inquiry.

Recommended for: Historians, students, philosophers, and scholars of historiography.

10. Other Works by the Same Author

  • The Twenty Years’ Crisis (1939)
  • International Relations, 1919–1939 (1939)

11. Similar Books by Other Authors

  • R.G. Collingwood – The Idea of History
  • Hayden White – Metahistory
  • Leopold von Ranke – Various works on historiography

12. References (only if external works are cited)

  • Carr, E.H. (1961) What Is History?
  • Collingwood, R.G. (1946) The Idea of History
  • White, H. (1973) Metahistory
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