The EverChanging Past, James M. Banner, Jr.
The EverChanging Past, James M. Banner, Jr.
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The Ever-Changing Past
Why All History is Revisionist History

Author: James M. Banner, Jr.

Narrator: Bob Souer

Unabridged: 11 hr

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Tantor Media

Published: 03/16/2021


Synopsis

History is not, and has never been, inert, certain, merely factual, and beyond reinterpretation. Taking listeners from Thucydides to the origin of the French Revolution to the Civil War and beyond, James M. Banner, Jr. explores what historians do and why they do it.

Banner shows why historical knowledge is unlikely ever to be unchanging, why history as a branch of knowledge is always a search for meaning and a constant source of argument, and why history is so essential to individuals' awareness of their location in the world and to every group and nation's sense of identity and destiny. He explains why all historians are revisionists while they seek to more fully understand the past, and how they always bring their distinct minds, dispositions, perspectives, and purposes to bear on the subjects they study.

About James M. Banner, Jr.

James M. Banner, Jr., is the author of many books, including The Elements of Teaching. Most recently, he is editor of Presidential Misconduct: From George Washington to Today. A founder of the National History Center of the American Historical Association, he lives in Washington DC.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Randall on March 27, 2024

Revisionist history is a label often slung at those who dare challenge the approved elite narrative; given that history is usually written by the victors, it should surprise no one that some historians might be more interested in the real story than in the victor’s one. “History is not and has never......more

Goodreads review by Miriam on June 14, 2021

This is an academic study of the history of writing history and its subsequent and inevitable revision, although history buffs may find it interesting. Banner begins with a study of the historians of the American Civil War, then progresses to a two chapter survey of the history of writing history, hi......more

Goodreads review by Michael on August 19, 2021

The author makes a good case for why historiography is, by its very nature, a "revisionist" discipline. Extending the point for 270+ pages is simply overkill. The author's observation is absolutely correct, but could have made the point in an essay.......more

Goodreads review by Jeff on January 08, 2023

This could have been an essay. The greatest contribution of the book was providing case studies in history to illustrate the points......more

Goodreads review by Dave on June 01, 2021

If you love learning for fun, have I got a book for you The premise of this book is kinda a big "No Duh". All history is revisionist. What joy can be found listen to a guy prove what you already know? Well... It's a freaking delight! if you expect some scholarly snooze-fest here you better brace yours......more