The Uses and Abuses of History
Author(s): Margaret MacMillan
The past is capricious enough to support every stance - no matter how questionable. In 2002, the Bush administration decided that dealing with Saddam Hussein was like appeasing Hitler or Mussolini, and promptly invaded Iraq. Were they wrong to look to history for guidance? No; their mistake was to exaggerate one of its lessons while suppressing others of equal importance. History is often hijacked through suppression, manipulation, and, sometimes, even outright deception. MacMillan's book is packed full of examples of the abuses of history. In response, she urges us to treat the past with care and respect. First published 2008.
Product Information
If misrepresented, the past can cause confusion, conflict and tragedy. With care, it can help us to understand the present. Award-winning historian Margaret MacMillan proves that history really does matter.
"'In a world where the spin doctor has replaced the historian, MacMillan reminds readers of the importance of dispassionate, fact-driven narrative, as opposed to reassuring or self-serving accounts that pass for history while burying the unpleasant truths.' - Ottawa Sun 'This is history used as its own best argument' - The Toronto Sun"
Margaret MacMillan is the author of Women of the Raj and international bestsellers Nixon in China and Peacemakers: The Paris Conference 1919 and Its Attempt to End the War. The past provost of Trinity College at the University of Toronto, she is now the warden of St. Antony's College at Oxford University.
General Fields
- :
- : Profile Books Ltd
- : Profile Books Ltd
- : 01 April 2009
- : United Kingdom
- : books
Special Fields
- : Margaret MacMillan
- : Paperback
- : 1
- : 901
- : 256