I can scarcely overstate the importance for the academic humanities of Hamerow’s brilliant account of the state of the field of history. Describing the intellectual framework and institutional structure of one humanist field, such as Hamerow accomplishes here, provides a model for how other fields are to be set forth. Analyzing the state of the art, specifying strengths and weaknesses, outlining current issues for serious debate—these processes of self-conscious thought provide the perspective that is needed for any individual to find a productive place in the field.
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