4.1 Historiography
Historiography is the study of historical writing. More simply put, it is the study of how historians have written history over time. As Professor Robert Hatch reveals, “it also involves the history and biography of historians, the context in which they lived and wrote, and not least, the assumptions, philosophies, theories, and methods they used.”1 All historians are human beings, subject to personal biases, influenced by the culture in which they live, and also the limitations of their knowledge about history. As new documents and ideas become available, and as recent events shape our thoughts, interpretations of history change. One of the important things any study of history must be able to do is evaluate the work of historians, their point-of-view, and message.
Historiography has existed since Ancient Greece, perhaps earlier. It is only in modern times that it has been given its own name. “During the last fifty years it has woven itself into the fabric of graduate study, tied as it is to the major current of thoughts since the Enlightenment, whether philosophic, political, or ideological. Arguably, historiography has always played a key role in training potential historians.”2 While past events never change, our interpretation of these events, and thus our understanding of history does. It is important, therefore, for scholars to consider how history was written at a given time through the lens or perspective of the historian. Thus history is always evolving.
There is a trite saying that “history is written by the victors.” This is true to some extent, though it is more accurate to say that history written by the victors is preserved. In the modern world with our plethora of information from all roles, historiography has become even more important to understand. As Jennifer Llewellyn and Steve Thompson tell us “Our understanding of the past is not immune to criticism, challenge or revision. One must also understand the critical difference between historical facts … and history….”3 The role of the historian is to interpret historical facts and make sense of them. Historiography then is the study of how the historian has interpreted these facts, providing the criticism Llewellyn and Thompson identify.
Historians are required to answer several specific questions when interpreting history, particularly:
- Causes of an event
- The effects or consequences of an event
- The actions of the individuals, groups, or ideas involved
- The significance or impact of an event
- Change and continuity over time
Unlike some of the more concrete disciplines, historians often interpret the same event over and over. None of this means that one historian is lying. While containing interesting information, one of the greatest disservices done to the field of history are a series of books entitled “the lies my history teacher told me”. Instead of lies what those books are actually doing are providing a different interpretation. For this reason among others, historians are a contentious lot – arguing, reinterpreting, and presenting new interpretations through our own lenses.
Memorizing names, dates, places, and events is difficult, but doable. However, this is not the study of history. Learning how historical interpretation has changed over time and how the events of history occurred contextually is the study of history. This can be daunting, so begin with the basics.
- Understand that history is a dialog; it changes.
- Understand that each historian presents their own interpretation and no one is infallible. They can and should be questioned.
- Think critically about the arguments presented. Ask how other historians
- Always use multiple sources – no one historian has all the answers. Compare at least two different interpretations of the same event or topic.
Because we understand that historiography can be difficult to grasp, you will be practicing this in discussion by studying the various interpretations of a relevant event. This is a baby step. As your skills and understanding grow, your confidence in your own interpretation will as well.
Watch these two brief videos on what historiography is to further your understanding:
If you receive an error saying the links above can’t be authenticated, use this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dlGheYaZik.
The Cynical Historian. “What is Historiography?| Historical Research (3).” September 4, 2015. Video 2:35.
If you receive an error saying the links above can’t be authenticated, use this link: https://youtu.be/aBBl8lGhRlc.
Notes
- Robert A. Hatch, “Historiography, Briefly Defined,” The Scientific Revolution Homepage, University of Florida, accessed December 28, 2018, http://users.clas.ufl.edu/ufhatch/pages/02-TeachingResources/historiography/overview-hatch.htm.
- Hatch.
- Jennifer Llewellyn and Steve Thompson, “What is Historiography?,” Alpha History, 2014, https://alphahistory.com/what-is-historiography/.