The Pursuit of History by

The Pursuit of History invites readers to delve into the core questions of historical study, such as the purpose of studying history, the nature of historical truth, and the reliability of sources. John Tosh argues that, despite the fragmented view promoted by postmodernism, history remains a coherent discipline with roots in the 19th century. The book provides a clear and engaging exploration of these topics, making readers aware of how historical knowledge is shaped by sources and methodologies. The fifth edition includes updated sections on global history, comparative history, postcolonialism, women’s and gender history, and oral history, ensuring its relevance in contemporary scholarly discussions. /n/nLucid and engaging, this edition retains user-friendly features like marginal glosses, illustrations, suggested further reading, and boxed guides to key events and people. Tosh's work is a favorite among students and lecturers, offering a compelling guide to the complexities and controversies of historical study.

Reviews

routledge.com · 2025-10-20

comprehensive 4.50

This book is a clearly written and absorbing introduction to the practice of history. It is informative and well-structured, making it a popular choice among students.

The reviewer describes this book as a clearly written and absorbing introduction to the practice of history. They highlight its informative content and well-structured approach, which makes it a popular choice among students. The reviewer appreciates how the book provides a comprehensive overview of the methods and new directions in the study of history, making it an essential resource for anyone interested in the field.

Quick quotes

The sixth edition of John Tosh's The Pursuit of History is a clearly written, informative and absorbing introduction to the practice of 'doing' history.

While it is aimed at students, it is accessible to anyone interested in the subject.

It provides a comprehensive overview of the methods and new directions in the study of history.

amazon.co.uk · 2025-10-20

engaging 4.00

This book is engaging and informative, providing a clear introduction to historiography. It is praised for its ability to make the study of history accessible.

The reviewer found this book to be both engaging and informative, particularly in its introduction to historiography. They appreciated how the book clearly explains the discipline of studying history accurately and honestly. The reviewer noted that the book is well-suited for those looking to understand the methods and directions of modern historical study, making it a valuable resource for both students and general readers.

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This was a very engaging and informative book on historiography.

It introduces the discipline of studying history accurately and honestly.

This book enables even dimwits like me to understand the basics of historiography.

zng002.wordpress.com · 2012-11-09

informative 4.00

The introductory chapter is found to be very informative, introducing useful concepts for the study of history. The writing style is engaging and accessible.

The reviewer found the introductory chapter of this book to be particularly enlightening, as it introduced many valuable concepts for the study of history. They appreciated how the author made complex ideas accessible and engaging. The reviewer enjoyed how the book provided a solid foundation for understanding historical awareness and methods, making it a useful resource for anyone interested in the discipline.

Quick quotes

I found this introductory chapter written by Tosh very informative as he introduced many concepts that were very useful to the study of history.

The writing style is engaging and accessible.

The book provides a solid foundation for understanding historical awareness and methods.

Appears in Lists

10 History Books Every History Student Should Read