Examining history and the study of history, Southgate provides a thorough analysis of where the study of history has been, and where it is going. .
His work is a well-written, and very well researched monograph about the study of history. Overall, text is concise, however, occasionally his ideas seem to be a slightly "wordy." His word choice and style, at times, may divert the attention of the reader. He does a good job of bringing his sources together and smoothly moving his ideas from one section to the next. The main idea that Southgate seems to do especially well with, is fairly representing a variety of theories and ideas about the debate within historiography. His work examines the ideas of many thinkers at each end of the historiographical spectrum. This idea alone provides validity to his work and his research. Looking at a historians work, one has to examine their argument and look at the evidence that they present. When a writer presents opposing evidence, their argument is strengthened. Thus, Southgate presents an interesting collection of various views that allows the reader to get a sense of the "whole picture." This serves to further his thesis that the study of history is an evolving idea. From Aristotle, to Karl Marx, to the historians of today, Southgate shows how the study of history is a dynamic idea with many evolving ideas that give way to new methods and new theories. .
Perhaps the most revolutionary idea about Southgate's work, is found in his conclusion. While most writers find a thesis, develop that throughout the work and then drive their point at the end, Southgate takes a different approach. He does find a thesis and he supports that with evidence along the way. However, at the end of the book, Southgate leaves the readers to draw their own conclusion. He allows for interpretation and examination of the ideas that he has presented. At the end of the work he states "The point in any case, though, is to have some personal vision that gives some sense purpose to our lives - and hence a sense of purpose also to our histories (159).
