Polish Theory of History and Metahistory in Topolski, Pomian, and Tokarczuk: From Hayden White and Beyond

This book explores the development of the Polish theory of history, tracing the contributions of Jerzy Topolski, Krzysztof Pomian, and Olga Tokarczuk to historical cognition. It examines how they have built upon and transgressed the metahistorical theories of American historian Hayden White, and how their work has influenced international debates on historical theory. The book also presents a study of the historical imagination in 21st-century Central and Eastern Europe through the work of novelist Tokarczuk.

Format: Hardback
Length: 238 pages
Publication date: 14 July 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the intricate evolution of the Polish theory of history, offering a comprehensive analysis of how Jerzy Topolski, Krzysztof Pomian, and Olga Tokarczuk have both enriched and departed from the metahistorical frameworks established by American historian Hayden White. The journey begins with Topolski's methodological school in the 1980s, where he played a pivotal role in shaping international discussions on historical theory. The second study presents a rare opportunity for English-speaking audiences to engage with the profound thoughts of Pomian, a philosopher and historian of ideas who has independently developed theories of historical cognition, complementing and expanding upon White's ideas. The final chapter explores the historical imagination in 21st-century Central and Eastern Europe through the insightful work of novelist Tokarczuk, the recipient of the prestigious 2018 Nobel Prize in Literature. Throughout the book, the authors examine the dynamic process by which the past transforms into history, influencing contemporary actions and realities. By critically deconstructing and reconstructing contemporary theories of history, this research makes a distinctive contribution to the fields of historiography and the philosophy of history. The Open Access version of this book, accessible at http://www.taylorfrancis.com, is freely available under a Creative Commons [Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives (CC-BY-NC-ND)] 4.0 license, allowing for widespread dissemination and collaboration.

Weight: 620g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032494609