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

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- -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.

Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Penguin Adult Hc/Tr
Published: 02/01/2009
ISBN: 9780143115045
Pages: 336
Weight: 0.60lbs
Size: 8.40h x 5.50w x 0.80d

Review Citations: New York Times Book Review 04/05/2009 pg. 20