Tony Ballantyne

Brian Moloughney

In this volume, leading historians reflect on writing about New Zealand's past. They also test how that past is investigated and framed. These essays indicate particular concerns with the current role of history as a discipline within the nation. Essays include a survey of the work of historians since the 1980s, examination of an interview with Erik Olssen, whose work has been at the forefront of historical research and methodology in the period, and a variety of additional topics and methodologies. Running through the volume are two threads: discussions of the limits of national history and the search for new archives and sites of historical inquiry.

Imagining New Zealand's Pasts

Disputed Histories

Peter Zarrow

Transforming History examines the profound transformation of historical thought and practice of writing history from the late Qing through the midtwentieth century. The authors devote extensive analysis to the common set of intellectual and political forces that shaped the study of history, from the ideas of evolution, positivism, nationalism, historicism, and Marxism, to political processes such as revolution, imperialism, and modernization. Also discussed are the impact and problems associated with the nationstate as the subject of history, the linear model of historical time, and the spatial system of nationstates. The result is a convincing study that illustrates how history has transformed into a modern academic discipline in China.

Brian Moloughney

Books

Your next favorite book is out there