An authoritative overview of the developing field of public history
reflecting theory and practice around the globe
This unique reference guides readers through this relatively new field
of historical inquiry, exploring the varieties and forms of public
history, its relationship with popular history, and the ways in which
the field has evolved internationally over the past thirty years.
Comprised of thirty-four essays written by a group of leading
international scholars and public history practitioners, the work not
only introduces readers to the latest scholarly academic research, but
also to the practice and pedagogy of public history. It pays equal
attention to the emergence of public history as a distinct field of
historical inquiry in North America, the importance of popular history
and 'history from below' in Europe and European colonial-settler states,
and forms of historical consciousness in non-Western countries and
peoples. It also provides a timely guide to the state of the discipline,
and offers an innovative and unprecedented engagement with
methodological and theoretical problems associated with public history.
Generously illustrated throughout, The Companion to Public History's
chapters are written from a variety of perspectives by contributors from
all continents and from a wide variety of backgrounds, disciplines, and
experiences. It is an excellent source for getting readers to think
about history in the public realm, and how present day concerns shape
the ways in which we engage with and represent the past.
- Cutting-edge companion volume for a developing area of study
- Comprises 36 essays by leading authorities on all aspects of public
history around the world
- Reflects different national/regional interpretations of public history
- Offers some essays in teachable forms: an interview, a roundtable
discussion, a document analysis, a photo essay.
- Covers a full range of public history practice, including museums,
archives, memorial sites as well as historical fiction, theatre,
re-enactment societies and digital gaming
- Discusses the continuing challenges presented by history within our
broad, collective memory, including museum controversies, repatriation
issues, 'textbook' wars, and commissions for Truth and Reconciliation
The Companion is intended for senior undergraduate students and
graduate students in the rapidly growing field of public history and
will appeal to those teaching public history or who wish to introduce a
public history dimension to their courses.
