Ben Waber reviewed Ever-Changing Past by James M. Banner
An Urgent, Essential Book on the Essence of History
5 stars
Banner has put together a masterpiece, methodically demonstrating the essence of history and how the present has always shaped a reinterpretation of the past. Starting with the example of the US Civil War, Banner follows the evolution in the interpretation of that event to powerfully show this in action, then reviews the history of historiography to reveal how new methods and approaches have gradually been added to history's repertoire. Importantly, he also explains how historians and historical understanding makes progress despite this inherent subjectivity, and the challenges of interacting with a public that doesn't understand these techniques and values. Given the even greater importance of understanding and interpreting the historical record today, and the increasingly tenuous nature of understanding at a societal level, this should be required reading for every adult. Highly recommend
Banner has put together a masterpiece, methodically demonstrating the essence of history and how the present has always shaped a reinterpretation of the past. Starting with the example of the US Civil War, Banner follows the evolution in the interpretation of that event to powerfully show this in action, then reviews the history of historiography to reveal how new methods and approaches have gradually been added to history's repertoire. Importantly, he also explains how historians and historical understanding makes progress despite this inherent subjectivity, and the challenges of interacting with a public that doesn't understand these techniques and values. Given the even greater importance of understanding and interpreting the historical record today, and the increasingly tenuous nature of understanding at a societal level, this should be required reading for every adult. Highly recommend