That Noble Dream: The "Objectivity Question" and the American Historical Profession
That Noble Dream: The "Objectivity Question" and the American Historical Profession
Book Brief
BetaThat Noble Dream: The "Objectivity Question" and the American Historical Profession
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1988662
Book • Nonfiction
America • 20th century
1988
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In That Noble Dream: The "Objectivity Question" and the American Historical Profession, Peter Novick explores the evolution of objectivity in the field of American history. The text examines how historians have grappled with maintaining objectivity amidst varying interpretations and ideological influences throughout history, highlighting shifts in the professional standards and debates within the academic community.
Informative
Contemplative
Challenging
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
682 ratings
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Review Roundup
That Noble Dream by Peter Novick offers a thorough examination of historical objectivity, praised for its depth and scholarly insight. Positively, it is detailed and well-researched. However, some critics found it dense and challenging to navigate. Overall, it is an essential read for understanding historiographical debates in the American historical profession.
Who Should Read That Noble Dream: The "Objectivity Question" and the American Historical Profession?
Readers who appreciate That Noble Dream: The "Objectivity Question" and the American Historical Profession will likely enjoy intellectual history, debates on historiography, and the philosophy of history. Comparable titles include E.H. Carr's What Is History? and Richard J. Evans' In Defence of History.
682 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
That Noble Dream explores the evolving concept of objectivity within the American historical profession, sparking vibrant debates about the role of historians in shaping narratives and influencing public understanding.
The book was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in History in 1989, a testament to its impact and scholarly significance in examining historical methodology and professional identity.
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Peter Novick's comprehensive analysis in That Noble Dream is often cited in discussions about historical practice, making it a seminal work in understanding the dynamics between history and objectivity.
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662
Book • Nonfiction
America • 20th century
1988
Adult
18+ years
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