Practicing History New Directions in Historical Writing after the Linguistic Turn

Gabrielle Spiegel presents an essential new collection of key articles that examine the current status of the debate over the "linguistic turn" and attempt to rethink the practice of history in light of its implications. These are writings that operate within the framework of the linguistic turn, yet seek to move beyond its initial formulation and reception.
The volume offers a synoptic overview of the last twenty-five years of theoretical analysis of historical writing, with a critical examination of the key concepts and positions that have been in debate. The collection delineates the emergence of "practice theory" as a possible paradigm for future historical interpretation concerned with questions of agency, experience and the subject.
Articles drawn from a mix of critical thinkers and practicing historians are drawn together along with clear and thorough editorial material. Complex ideas at the forefront of historical practice are revealed and made accessible to students, while for their teachers and other historians this new survey is an indispensable and timely read.

This essential collection of key articles offers a re-evaluation of the practice of history in light of current debates. Critical thinkers and practicing historians present their writings, along with clear and thorough editorial material, to examine the complex ideas at the forefront of historical practice. This volume gives a synoptic overview of the last twenty-five years’ theoretical analysis of historical writing, with a critical examination of the central concepts and positions that have been in debate. The collection delineates the emergence of "practice theory" as a possible paradigm for future historical interpretation concerned with questions of agency, experience and the subject. These complex ideas are introduced to students in this accessible reader, and for teachers and historians too, this survey is an indispensable and timely read.

Introduction: Practicing History,Theorizing Practice Part 1: Discourse and the Problem of Social History Part 2: Self and Agency Part 3: Experience and Practice

Gabrielle M. Spiegel is Professor of Medieval History and Chair of the History Department at Johns Hopkins University. She is the author of The Past as Text and Romancing the Past.