Making History: The Storytellers Who Shaped the Past

MAKING HISTORY is a book that explores how biases of certain storytellers influence our ideas about history and who we are today. It investigates the published works and private utterances of our greatest historical thinkers to discover the agendas that informed their views of the world, and which have informed ours. The result is a unique exploration of both the aims and craft of history-making that will lead us to think anew about our past and ourselves.

Format: Hardback
Length: 784 pages
Publication date: 17 March 2022
Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

MAKING HISTORY is a captivating exploration of the individuals who shape our understanding of the past and the enduring biases of historical storytellers, such as Julius Caesar, William Shakespeare, and Simon Schama. In this comprehensive and engaging book, Richard Cohen delves into the intricate ways in which professional historians, alongside other significant witnesses like biblical writers, novelists, dramatists, journalists, and political propagandists, influence the formation of the accepted narratives of human experience. Cohen poses the profound question of whether objective history is truly attainable. His extensive research and infectious enthusiasm encompass not only the practitioners of "Bad History," those who distort reality to glorify themselves or their nations, but also the profound insights of renowned historical thinkers. From the early origins of history writing, when such an idea was considered revolutionary, to the television and digital age, MAKING HISTORY brings to life a diverse array of captivating figures, from Thucydides and Tacitus to Voltaire and Gibbon, from Winston Churchill to Mary Beard. Laden with rich characterizations, intricate truths, and surprising anecdotes, this remarkable work offers a unique exploration of the objectives and craftsmanship of historical storytelling. It invites us to reevaluate our past and our selves in fresh and thought-provoking ways.

Weight: 1166g
Dimension: 165 x 243 x 55 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474615778