The History Wheel

The transcript discusses the evolution of historical themes from the 1950s to the present. Initially dominated by Marxist ideology, history saw a shift towards cultural and linguistic perspectives in the 1970s, influenced by figures like Clifford Geertz and Quentin Skinner. This period emphasized the study of symbols and language. Over time, revisionists emerged, revisiting political history and biography. The speaker advises historians to focus on what they find important, as historical trends are cyclical.

In what ways did the influence of philosophers affect the study of history?

What advice does the speaker give regarding historiography and dominant themes?