Customer Reviews

Students Guide To Study Of History: History Guide (Guides To Major Disciplines)

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Lukacs is one of the twentieth century's most formidable historiographers. In his writings (including this example), he brings both humility and humor. All of ISI's guides are for directing the thoughtful student toward good sources and thinkers in their discipline. Lukacs is no exception, serving as the undergraduate's Vergil through the Hell of the modern academy of history. He introduces the reader to some of the big names in historical writing without misguiding to the stale and transient fads of contemporary historiography. A must for any freshman interested in a history major.

Excellent book that can be easily read in one sitting!

Lukacs' fluid writing style is this book's greatest merit. He points out a great deal of classical and modern history of outstanding merit and durability. This booklet, however, is published by the ISI's publishing house. Reading it is like being flung back into the academic culture of East Coast Universities in the 1950s. The sensation is bizarre, and horribly exclusionary. Almost any other introduction to the discipline for undergraduates would be better by showing that non-European, non-Christian stories also have merit. History is not only the study of personal and national heritage, but the trials and value of all human cultures, even those not personally relevant. The book lacks such generosity, often termed imaginative sympathy. Too bad.