What is a classic in historical writing? How do we explain the continued interest in certain historical texts, even when their accounts and interpretations of particular periods have been displaced or revised by newer generations of historians? How do these texts help to maintain the historiographical canon? Jaume Aurell's innovative study ranges from the heroic writings of ancient Greek historians such as Herodotus to the twentieth century microhistories of Carlo Ginzburg. The book explores how certain texts have been able to stand the test of time, gain their status as historiographical classics, and capture the imaginations of readers across generations. Investigating the processes of permanence and change in both historiography and history, Aurell further examines the creation of historical genres and canons. Taking influence from methodologies including sociology, literary criticism, theology, and postcolonial studies, What Is a Classic in History? encourages readers to re-evaluate their ideas of history and historiography alike.

This innovative study explores the emergence, survival, and continued cultural importance of historical texts considered to be 'classics'.

About the Author
Jaume Aurell is Professor of Medieval History at the University of Navarra. He has a particular interest in medieval and modern historiography. His previous publications include Medieval Self-Coronations (Cambridge, 2020), Theoretical Perspectives on Historians' Autobiographies (2015) and Authoring the Past (2012).


Book Information
ISBN 9781009469951
Author Jaume Aurell
Format Paperback
Page Count 354
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 439g