Details

ISBN-10: 0143115049
ISBN-13: 9780143115045
Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
Publish Date: 02/01/2009
Dimensions: 8.40" L, 5.50" W, 0.80" H

The Purpose of the Past: Reflections on the Uses of History

Paperback

Price: $24.00

Overview

An erudite scholar and an elegant writer, Gordon S. Wood has won both numerous awards and a broad readership since the 1969 publication of his widely acclaimed The Creation of the American Republic. With The Purpose of the Past, Wood has essentially created a history of American history, assessing the current state of history vis-à-vis the work of some of its most important scholars-doling out praise and scorn with equal measure. In this wise, passionate defense of history’s ongoing necessity, Wood argues that we cannot make intelligent decisions about the future without understanding our past. Wood offers a master’s insight into what history-at its best-can be and reflects on its evolving and essential role in our culture.

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Reviews
"Essential reading for anyone who cares about history."
-Jonathan Yardley, The Washington Post

"Illuminating . . . [Wood's] pitch-perfect erudition is legendary."
-Douglas Brinkley, Los Angeles Times

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Details

ISBN-10: 0143115049
ISBN-13: 9780143115045
Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
Publish Date: 02/01/2009
Dimensions: 8.40" L, 5.50" W, 0.80" H
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