From Library Journal
These 25 essays were contributed by some of the self-confident founders of the Historical Society, begun in 1997 by a group disillusioned with the two major historical associations and determined to distinguish itself by its focus: a self-conscious condemnation of the dominance of the historical profession by social and political trendiness and a call for a return to disciplinary basics. Although unified by the editors' recurring statements of dissatisfaction with history as practiced by most of today's historians, the book proves incredibly uneven in both presentation and quality. In content, it ranges from reprints of brief newspaper op-ed pieces to longer essays with source notes such as those in professional journals. It is the uneven quality of the offerings, however, that proves most troublesome. While some selections demonstrate considerable thought about the discipline and practice of history, others reveal emotions that may prove as counterproductive as the trends they condemn. Academic libraries may want to add the volume for its perspective on the current state of the profession.ACharles K. Piehl, Mankato State Univ., MN Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

In May 1998, a group of prominent scholars announced the formation of the Historical Society, an organization that sought to be free of the jargon-laden debates and political agendas that have come to distance so many readers from their interest in historical scholarship.. "In this first book from the Historical Society, several founding members explore central topics in the field, including the sensitive use of historical records, sources, and archives; the debates over teaching history in the public schools; the enduring value of the practice of history; and much more. Reconstructing History is sure to challenge and inform scholars, students, educators, and the many general readers who have become lost in the culture wars.

SYNOPSIS

Fox-Genovese (history and humanities, Emory U.) and Lasch-Quinn (history, Syracuse U.), founding members of the Historical Societyan organization promoting "an integrated history accessible to the public"address the sensitive use of historical records, sources, and archives; the debates over teaching history in the public schools; and the value of practicing history. Specific topics discussed in 25 contributions include American capitalism and socialism, 1890-1916; the controversy over national history standards; Faulkner's South; military history; the history of science; defining liberal education; history and postmodernism; and African American literary criticism. No index. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

FROM THE CRITICS

Library Journal