Connected History: Essays and Arguments

Sanjay Subrahmanyam is known for his new approach to history, which connects cross-culturally and spans regions, subjects, and archives. He argues that it is an oppositionswissenschaft that seeks to break the molds of historical objects. The essays collected here illustrate the breadth of Subrahmanyam's concerns and the quality of his writing, including discussions of empire, the rise of the West, Churchill and the Great Man theory, the reception of world literature, and subaltern studies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 04 January 2022
Publisher: Verso Books

Sanjay Subrahmanyam, like Fernand Braudel and Carlo Ginzburg, is gaining recognition for his innovative approach to history. Unlike traditional long-term or micro-history, Subrahmanyam advocates for a connected history that transcends cultural boundaries and spans regions, subjects, and archives. He sees it as an oppositionswissenschaft, a way of challenging the conventional molds of historical objects.

The essays included in this collection showcase the wide range of Subrahmanyam's interests and the excellence of his writing. They address topics such as the definition of an empire, the rise of the West as an idea or ideology, Churchill's legacy, the reception of world literature, the trajectory of subaltern studies, personal reflections on his experiences in Delhi, Paris, and Lisbon, and concluding thoughts on the practice of early-modern history and the methodology of historical inquiry.

Through his work, Subrahmanyam seeks to redefine the boundaries of historical analysis and challenge the dominant narratives that have shaped our understanding of the past. His approach is interdisciplinary, drawing on insights from various fields and employing a multidisciplinary methodology. By connecting historical events and phenomena across different cultures and regions, Subrahmanyam offers a fresh perspective on the complex and interconnected nature of human history.

The essays collected here provide a valuable insight into Subrahmanyam's thought and his contributions to the field of history. They demonstrate his ability to engage with complex issues, analyze historical phenomena with depth, and communicate his ideas with clarity and precision. Whether one agrees with his interpretations or not, Subrahmanyam's work is sure to inspire and provoke thought, and it will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the study of history.

Weight: 286g
Dimension: 140 x 209 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839762383