Historical Imagination

The study of historical imagination explores the boundary between proper, imagination-free history and excessive imagination, discussing the limits of permitted imagination for historians. It involves reconstructing previously experienced parts of the world and creating new objects and experiences. Staley's book provides a heuristic for assessing the ratio of mimetic and creative imagination in historical works and encourages readers to consider the nature and limits of historical imagination.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 150 pages
Publication date: 28 December 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Historical Imagination delves into the delicate boundary between what historians deem as proper, imagination-free history and the pitfalls of excessive imagination, seeking to understand where this boundary lies and the boundaries of permissible imagination for historians. We employ the term "imagination" to encompass two distinct mental processes: the reconstruction of previously encountered aspects of the world and the creation of entirely new objects and experiences that exist solely in the realm of the mind. In the realm of history, imagination involves the ability to visualise both the actual and the inactual simultaneously through the power of the mind's eye. While all historical works incorporate a certain degree of creative imagination, exceeding this limit is often regarded as excessive. Therefore, the question arises: under what circumstances are historians permitted to venture into the realm of creative imagination, and how far can they go?

To address this inquiry, Staley presents a comprehensive theoretical framework, elucidating how historical works are a harmonious blend of mimetic and creative imagination. Through relatable examples, he offers a helpful heuristic for assessing the balance between these two forms of imagination in any historical work. This book is particularly valuable for students and scholars of the philosophy of history, as it adeptly sets forth complex theoretical concepts in a user-friendly and accessible manner, encouraging readers to contemplate both the nature and boundaries of historical imagination. By exploring this topic, Historical Imagination provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of the historical process and the role of imagination in shaping our historical narratives.

Weight: 258g
Dimension: 154 x 234 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138689398