The Art of History: A Study of Four Great Historians of the Eighteenth Century

by J. B. Black

Overview

The first important scholarly consideration of Enlightenment historiography of the twentieth century, this book, originally published in 1926, critically examines the ideas of Voltaire, Hume, Robertston and Gibbon with respect to the theory and practice of historiography. The substantial introduction outlines the main differences between the ideals of these literary-philosophical schools and those which prevailed among historians in the early 20^th century. The author argues that history can never be devoid of philosphical and literary interest, and that if it concerns itself merely with the stablishment of fact, will be a discipline of "contracting horizons".

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781138124806
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	04/07/2016
Series:	Routledge Library Editions: Historiography , #4
Pages:	198
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

Table of Contents

1. Introduction 2. Voltaire 3. Hume 4. Robertson 5. Gibbon