"On What is History?" is an important new textbook introduction to contemporary historiographical debates. Carr and Elton are still the starting point for the vast majority of introductory courses on the nature of history. From the author of "Rethinking History", this book explores in greater detail the influence of these key figures.

Jenkins argues that we need to move beyond their "modernist" thinking and embrace the postmodern approaches of thinkers such as Richard Rorty and Hayden White. Jenkin's radical critique of Carr and Elton will be seen as iconoclastic and important. His championing of Rorty and White provides an important introduction to two often neglected, yet seminal theorists of today.

On ‘What is History?’ should enable students to gain insights into and understandings of many current debates with regard to the ‘history question’, insights and understandings that necessarily move us beyond those old introductory favourites, Carr and Elton, into new and vital areas of consideration.