How to be a Historian: Scholarly Personae in Historical Studies, 1800-2000

This volume explores why historians care about attitudes or dispositions necessary for studying the past, despite often disagreeing about what virtues, skills, or competencies are most important. It explains why models of virtue known as 'personae' have always been contested but can also prove stable, especially regarding their race, class, and gender assumptions. Appealing to historians of historiography and all historians who wonder what kind of historian they want to be, the book covers historical studies across Europe, North America, Africa, and East Asia.

Format: Hardback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 13 June 2019
Publisher: Manchester University Press

This captivating volume presents a fresh and thought-provoking exploration of the evolution of historical studies. By examining the concept of 'scholarly personae,' it delves into the underlying motivations of historians for emphasizing attitudes or dispositions deemed crucial for understanding the past, despite often differing opinions on the most essential virtues, skills, or competencies. Furthermore, the book sheds light on the enduring nature of models of virtue, known as 'personae,' despite their historical controversies and challenges. Spanning historical inquiries across Europe, North America, Africa, and East Asia, How to be a historian captivates not only historians of historiography but also scholars engaged in broader historical pursuits. It serves as a valuable resource for those who occasionally ponder the question: What kind of historian do I aspire to be?

Introduction:
Historical studies have undergone a remarkable transformation over time, shaped by the evolving perspectives and methodologies of historians. In this context, the concept of 'scholarly personae' has emerged as a central theme, shedding light on the values, skills, and competencies that historians consider essential for their work. This volume aims to provide a comprehensive exploration of the history of scholarly personae, examining why these models have been contested, yet also why they have proven remarkably stable, particularly in terms of their assumptions about race, class, and gender.
Contested Nature of Scholarly Personae:
Throughout history, the concept of scholarly personae has been subject to intense debate and controversy. Historians have often disagreed about the most appropriate virtues, skills, or competencies that should guide their research and interpretation. This disagreement has led to the development of diverse models of scholarly personae, each with its own set of assumptions and ideals. For instance, some historians have emphasized the importance of objectivity, while others have prioritized empathy and understanding. Similarly, there have been debates about the role of theory, historical evidence, and personal experience in shaping historical understanding.
Stability of Scholarly Personae:
Despite these ongoing debates, it is noteworthy that certain aspects of scholarly personae have exhibited remarkable stability over time. One of the most enduring features of these models is their assumptions about race, class, and gender. Despite the ongoing challenges and controversies surrounding these issues, the race, class, and gender assumptions embedded in scholarly personae have remained largely consistent across different historical periods and regions. This stability can be attributed to the enduring power of social structures and cultural norms, which have shaped the way historians interpret the past.
The Role of Race, Class, and Gender in Scholarly Personae:
The assumptions about race, class, and gender in scholarly personae have played a significant role in shaping historical interpretations and narratives. These models have often reinforced existing power structures and perpetuated stereotypes, leading to limited perspectives and discriminatory practices. However, it is important to recognize that these assumptions have also evolved and been challenged over time. For instance, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of diversity and inclusivity in historical studies, which has led to a reevaluation of the role of race, class, and gender in shaping historical understanding.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this volume offers a stimulating new perspective on the history of historical studies. By examining the concept of scholarly personae, it sheds light on the motivations of historians for emphasizing certain attitudes or dispositions, as well as the enduring nature of models of virtue. Through its comprehensive coverage of historical studies across Europe, North America, Africa, and East Asia, How to be a historian appeals to historians of historiography as well as all historians who seek to deepen their understanding of the historical profession. By engaging with the debates and challenges surrounding scholarly personae, historians can continue to refine their approaches and strive for more inclusive and nuanced historical interpretations.

Weight: 474g
Dimension: 235 x 161 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526132802