Jan Tesař (historian)

Historiography is the study of the methods of historians in developing history as an academic discipline, and by extension, the body of historical work produced. It encompasses not only the writing of history, but also the critical analysis of historical sources, the interpretation of historical events, and the construction of historical narratives. Historiography is therefore inherently interdisciplinary, drawing on methodologies from fields such as archaeology, sociology, anthropology, and linguistics, in addition to its own unique set of analytical tools.

The field acknowledges that history is not simply a recounting of past events, but rather a constructed narrative shaped by the perspectives, biases, and methodologies of the historians themselves. Different historians, working with the same or similar sources, may arrive at vastly different interpretations. Historiography examines how these different interpretations are formed and the factors that influence them. This includes analyzing the social, political, and intellectual contexts in which historical works are produced, as well as the theoretical frameworks employed by historians.

Key aspects of historiography include:

• Source Criticism: The careful examination and evaluation of historical sources, assessing their authenticity, reliability, and biases. This involves considering the author's background, intended audience, and the context in which the source was created.

• Interpretation: The process of making sense of historical evidence, drawing conclusions, and constructing historical narratives. This is often an iterative process, involving the revision and refinement of interpretations in light of new evidence or theoretical insights.

• Narrative Construction: The way historians organize and present historical information, shaping it into a coherent and compelling story. This involves making choices about which events to emphasize, how to sequence them, and what themes to highlight.

• Historical Method: The theoretical frameworks and methodological approaches employed by historians in their work. Different schools of historical thought, such as the Annales School or postcolonial historiography, utilize distinct methods and concepts.

• The History of Historiography: Historiography itself has a history, with evolving methodologies and theoretical perspectives across different periods and cultural contexts. Studying this evolution provides insights into the changing nature of historical understanding.

The study of historiography helps us to critically evaluate historical claims, to understand the limitations of historical knowledge, and to appreciate the dynamic and complex nature of historical interpretation. It is essential for anyone seeking to engage meaningfully with historical scholarship.