Contesting the Past – serie

Now available in a completely revised and updated second edition, Vietnam: Explaining America’s Lost War is an award-winning historiography of one of the 20th century’s seminal conflicts. Looks at many facets of Vietnam War, examining central arguments of scholars, journalists, and participants and providing evidence on both sides of controversies around this eventAddresses key debates about the Vietnam War, asking whether the war was necessary for US security; whether President Kennedy would have avoided the war had he lived beyond November 1963; whether negotiation would have been a feasible alternative to war; and moreAssesses the lessons learned from this war, and how these lessons have affected American national security policy sinceWritten by a well-respected scholar in the field in an accessible style for students and scholars

One of the "10 Must-Read Histories of the Palestine-Israel Conflict"—Ian Black, Literary Hub, on the 100th anniversary of the Balfour DeclarationThe new edition of the acclaimed text that explores the issues continuing to define the Israeli-Palestinian conflictNumerous instances of competing, sometimes incompatible narratives of controversial events are found throughout history. Perhaps the starkest example of such contradictory representations is the decades-long conflict between Israel and Palestine. For over 140 years, Israelis, Palestinians, and scores of peacemakers have failed to establish a sustainable, mutually-acceptable solution. The Israel-Palestine Conflict introduces the historical basis of the dispute and explores both the tangible issues and intangible factors that have blocked a peaceful resolution. Author Neil Caplan helps readers understand the complexities and contradictions of the conflict and why the histories of Palestine and Israel are so fiercely contested.Now in its second edition, this book has been thoroughly updated to reflect the events that have transpired since its original publication. Fresh insights consider the impact of current global and regional instability and violence on the prospects of peace and reconciliation. New discussions address recent debates over two-state versus one-state solutions, growing polarization in public discourse outside of the Middle East, the role of public intellectuals, and the growing trend of merging scholarship with advocacy. Part of the Wiley-Blackwell Contested Histories series, this clear and accessible volume: Offers a balanced, non-polemic approach to current academic discussions and political debates on the Israel-Palestine conflictHighlights eleven core arguments viewed by the author as unwinnableEncourages readers to go beyond simply assigning blame in the conflictExplores the major historiographical debates arising from the disputeIncludes updated references and additional mapsAlready a standard text for courses on the history and politics of the Middle East, The Israel-Palestine Conflict is an indispensable resource for students, scholars, and interested general readers.

Nuanced narratives of the complex Israel-Palestine conflict Now in its Third Edition, The Israel-Palestine Conflict: Contested Histories examines why this conflict has resisted resolution for over 145 years. Rather than validating one side's narrative over the other, the book lays out Palestinian and Israeli perspectives through chronological milestones, drawing on the protagonists' own words to let readers evaluate competing claims and form independent judgments. Through measured and balanced analysis, The Israel Palestine Conflict 3rd edition considers the overarching reasons that this conflict has been resistant to resolution. The book identifies recurring conceptual patterns— core arguments and repeated cycles of violence and calm—that have shaped the conflict's trajectory. It foregrounds the role of narrative and historiography in framing contested episodes, sensitizing readers to bias in scholarship and public debate. Detailed notes and citations support deeper inquiry throughout. Readers will also find: A thematic rather than name-and-date approach that prepares readers to interpret current and future developments in the conflictSober juxtaposition of each side's arguments enabling readers who hold strong opinions to critically reassess their own assumptionsDiscussion of the difficulties inherent in defining, categorizing, and talking about this deeply polarizing and evolving conflictAnalysis of obstacles to resolution, including structural patterns that have repeatedly undermined negotiation efforts over more than a centuryA concise, logically structured format designed for accessibility without sacrificing scholarly rigor or depth of historical coverageWritten for undergraduate students, community groups, book clubs, and concerned observers of global affairs, this book provides a measured framework for nuanced reflection on one of the world's most enduring conflicts—particularly valuable amid periods of overheated rhetoric and clashing binary certainties.

In this book Norman Housley, one of the most distinguished historians of the medieval period, provides an introduction to the complex history of crusading. Steers readers through the key debates in this popular area of medieval history. Draws on the author’s 30 years’ experience of crusading scholarship. Issues addressed range from the definition of ‘crusade’, through the motivation and intentions of the crusaders, to the consequences of the crusades for European society

In this book Norman Housley, one of the most distinguished historians of the medieval period, provides an introduction to the complex history of crusading. Steers readers through the key debates in this popular area of medieval history. Draws on the author’s 30 years’ experience of crusading scholarship. Issues addressed range from the definition of ‘crusade’, through the motivation and intentions of the crusaders, to the consequences of the crusades for European society

Contesting the Reformation provides a comprehensive survey of the most influential works in the field of Reformation studies from a comparative, cross-national, interdisciplinary perspective. Represents the only English-language single-authored synthetic study of Reformation historiographyAddresses both the English and the Continental debates on Reformation historyProvides a thematic approach which takes in the main trends in modern Reformation historyDraws on the most recent publications relating to Reformation studiesConsiders the social, political, cultural, and intellectual implications of the Reformation and the associated literature

In this book, William Caferro asks if the Renaissance was really a period of progress, reason, the emergence of the individual, and the beginning of modernity. An influential investigation into the nature of the European RenaissanceSummarizes scholarly debates about the nature of the RenaissanceEngages with specific controversies concerning gender identity, economics, the emergence of the modern state, and reason and faithTakes a balanced approach to the many different problems and perspectives that characterize Renaissance studies

In this book, William Caferro asks if the Renaissance was really a period of progress, reason, the emergence of the individual, and the beginning of modernity. An influential investigation into the nature of the European RenaissanceSummarizes scholarly debates about the nature of the RenaissanceEngages with specific controversies concerning gender identity, economics, the emergence of the modern state, and reason and faithTakes a balanced approach to the many different problems and perspectives that characterize Renaissance studies

In Vietnam, Gary R. Hess describes and evaluates the main arguments of scholars, participants, and journalists, both revisionist and orthodox in their approach, as they try to answer fundamental questions of the Vietnam War. Clearly examines the historiography of the Vietnam WarQuestions whether the Vietnam War was lost due to poor strategy and leadership, or was inherently doomed to failureIncludes a bibliographic essay which complements the literature discussed in the text

This volume provides an up-to-date and accessible guide to the diversity of current thinking on Imperial Germany. Offers a historiographical overview, spanning more than a century of works on the German EmpireGuides readers through the main approaches, from 'personalist' to 'structuralist' and 'post-structuralist'Presents varying perspectives on gender, cultural history, foreign relations, colonialism, and warExplores the controversial historical reputations of Bismarck and Kaiser Wilhelm IIReflects the wide range of opinions on Imperial Germany held by historians today

Contesting the French Revolution provides an insightful overview of one of history’s most significant events, as well as examining the most significant historiographical debates about this period. Explores the causes, events, and consequences of the French Revolution Offers a stimulating analysis of the most controversial debates: Were the events of 1789 a social revolution or a political accident? Did they mark the rise of industrial capitalism or the birth of modern democracy? Was Napoleon Bonaparte an heir to the ideals of 1789 or a betrayer of the Revolution? Shows how historical interpretation of the French Revolution has been influenced by the changing political and social currents of the last 200 years – from the Russian Revolution to the fall of the Berlin Wall – and how historical study has shifted from a political focus to social and cultural approaches in more recent years.

Contesting the French Revolution provides an insightful overview of one of history’s most significant events, as well as examining the most significant historiographical debates about this period. Explores the causes, events, and consequences of the French Revolution Offers a stimulating analysis of the most controversial debates: Were the events of 1789 a social revolution or a political accident? Did they mark the rise of industrial capitalism or the birth of modern democracy? Was Napoleon Bonaparte an heir to the ideals of 1789 or a betrayer of the Revolution? Shows how historical interpretation of the French Revolution has been influenced by the changing political and social currents of the last 200 years – from the Russian Revolution to the fall of the Berlin Wall – and how historical study has shifted from a political focus to social and cultural approaches in more recent years.