Writing Local History

This fascinating book looks at how local history developed from the antiquarian county studies of the sixteenth century through the growth of 'professional' history in the nineteenth century, to the recent past. Concentrating on the past sixty years, it looks at the opening of archive offices, the invigorating influence of family history, the impact of adult education and other forms of lifelong learning. The author considers the debates generated by academics, including the divergence of views over local and regional issues, and the importance of standards set by the Victoria County History (VCH). Also discussed is the fragmentation of the subject. The antiquarian tradition included various subject areas that are now separate disciplines, among them industrial archaeology, name studies, family, landscape and urban history.

Author: John Beckett
Publisher: Manchester University Press
Published: 04/01/2007
Pages: 256
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.71lbs
Size: 8.48h x 5.55w x 0.78d
ISBN: 9780719076602

About the Author

John Beckett is Professor of English Regional History at the University of Nottingham and Director of the Victoria County History at the University of London