This original and thought-provoking study looks at the context of postmodernist thought in general cultural terms as well as in relation to history. Postmodernism in History traces philosophical precursors of postmodernism and identifies the roots of current concerns. Beverley Southgate describes the core constituents of postmodernism and provides a lucid and profound analysis of the current state of the debate. His main concern is to counter 'pomophobia' and to assert a positive future for historical study in a postmodern world.

Postmodernism in History is a valuable guide to some of the most complex questions in historical theory for students and teachers alike.

Beverley Southgate is Reader Emeritus in the History of Ideas at the University of Hertfordshire. His numerous publications include History: What & Why? (1996) and Why Bother With History? (2000).

PART 1 Fear (the present) 1 Postmodernism and pomophobia 2 Postmodernism and history PART 2 Contextualisation (the past) 3 Postmodern perspectives: some antecedents 4 Postmodern parallels: the transition to modernity PART 3 Freedom (the future) 5 Overcoming the constraints of modernism 6 History in postmodernity: from fear to freedom