How to Write About the Holocaust: The Postmodern Theory of History in Praxis

How to Write About the Holocaust combines the theoretical framework of historiography with the demands of Holocaust representation. It analyzes the newest trends in theory of history, including postmodernism, and incorporates these developments into specific written examples on the Holocaust. It explores the connection between history and literature and asks if the distinction between fact and fiction has become outdated.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 196 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

How to Write About the Holocaust is a significant contribution to ongoing debates in historiography and Holocaust studies. It combines the theoretical framework that has evolved in historiography over the past half-century with the challenges of representing the Holocaust. The book's first part delves into the latest trends in historical theory, particularly focusing on postmodernism, beginning with the works of American historian and theorist Hayden White and tracing the genealogy of postmodern influence in history from both epistemological and political perspectives. The second part further incorporates these theoretical developments into specific written examples on the Holocaust. By analyzing major works about the Holocaust, such as Saul Friedländer and Dan Stone's histories, the book aims to answer questions such as: what is the most appropriate way to write about the Holocaust, and what can theory teach us about the practice of history? To conclude, the volume explores the connection between history and literature and questions whether the distinction between fact and fiction has become outdated.

Weight: 380g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032123998