The Historian as Columnist - Peter Burke

The Historian as Columnist: A Personal Journey

In his book "The Historian as Columnist," Peter Burke takes readers on a personal journey through his experiences as a historian and columnist. Burke argues that historians can play an important role in public discourse by sharing their expertise and insights with a wider audience. He draws on his own experiences as a columnist for The Guardian and other publications to illustrate how historians can engage with the public on a variety of topics, from current events to historical trends.

Burke's Personal Journey

Burke begins the book by describing his own journey from academic historian to public intellectual. He recounts how he became interested in history as a child and how he went on to study history at university. After completing his doctorate, Burke began teaching history at the University of Cambridge. However, he soon found that he was more interested in writing about history for a general audience than in teaching it to students.

In the 1980s, Burke began writing columns for The Guardian and other publications. He quickly gained a reputation for his ability to write about history in a clear and engaging way. Burke's columns covered a wide range of topics, from the French Revolution to the rise of the internet. He also wrote about the role of historians in society and the importance of historical thinking.

The Role of Historians in Public Discourse

Burke argues that historians have a responsibility to share their expertise with the public. He believes that historians can play an important role in public discourse by providing context and perspective on current events. Historians can also help to debunk myths and misconceptions about the past.

Burke draws on his own experiences as a columnist to illustrate how historians can engage with the public on a variety of topics. He describes how he has written about everything from the Iraq War to the global financial crisis. He has also written about the history of science, the history of technology, and the history of everyday life.

Burke believes that historians should not be afraid to take sides on controversial issues. He argues that historians have a responsibility to speak out against injustice and oppression. He also believes that historians should be willing to challenge popular myths and misconceptions about the past.

The Importance of Historical Thinking

Burke concludes the book by arguing for the importance of historical thinking. He believes that historical thinking is essential for understanding the present and for making informed decisions about the future. He also believes that historical thinking can help us to develop a more tolerant and understanding world.

"The Historian as Columnist" is a thought-provoking and inspiring book that will appeal to historians, students, and anyone interested in the role of history in public discourse. Burke's personal journey is a testament to the power of history to engage and inform the public. His book is a call to action for historians to share their expertise with the world and to make a difference in public discourse.

Why You Should Read This Book

If you are interested in history, public discourse, or the role of intellectuals in society, then you should read "The Historian as Columnist." Burke's book is a well-written and engaging account of his own experiences as a historian and columnist. He provides a wealth of insights into the role of historians in public discourse and the importance of historical thinking.

"The Historian as Columnist" is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the role of history in the modern world. It is a book that will inspire you to think critically about the past and to engage with the public on important issues.