Compares the skills and styles necessary to read articles in the "American Historical Review" 100 years ago and today. Analyzes five types of reading and notes that historians may combine two or more of these types. Discusses a type of reading called dialogic reading and argues that it offers insight into historiography. (CFR)

Asserts that, although documentary film is nearly 100 years old, historical film did not have a place in the "American Historical Review" until recent years. Presents an interview with documentary filmmaker Ken Burns on the history and significance of documentary film. (CFR)

Maintains that, except from treatments of slavery as a legal condition, there was little coverage of African Americans in the first half-century of the "American Historical Review." Asserts, however, that coverage of black issues was even less in other scholarly journals. Reviews recent historiography related to African Americans. (CFR)

Argues that the enshrinement of the doctoral degree as the necessary credential for academic historians, the deemphasis on written narrative, and academic specialization have driven away a popular readership for history. Maintains that nonacademic historians now write popular history for the large market of history readers. (CFR)

Asks to what extent it is possible to identify meaningful and coherent historical periods across the boundaries of societies. Argues that cross-cultural interaction must figure prominently as a criterion in any effort to establish a periodization of world history in modern times. Illustrates a historical periodization based on cross-cultural…

Accepts cross-cultural interaction as an appropriate criterion for periodizing world history, but notes implications of this scheme that may be broader than they appear. Calls for an explicit contrast of periodizations based on different criteria to illustrate their strengths and weaknesses. This is a broad area of research potential. (DSK)

Contends that two practices of scientific history--the seminar and archival research--influenced historical research more than ideals of truth and objectivity. Discusses sexual bias in relation to archival access and other research practices. (CFR)

Examines the contribution of William Prescott's historical writing and the influence that it still exerts over Spanish historical scholarship in the United States. Prescott posited Spain as decadent, aristocratic, and consumed by social stratification and religious dogma, the antithesis of a vigorous and democratic United States. (MJP)

Maintains that the narrative that structured U.S. historiography in the 19th century was composed of 2 strands: (1) the story of Western progress; and (2) the liberal story of U.S. exceptionalism. Discusses U.S. historiography as expressed in the "American Historical Review." (CFR)

Argues that for years the emphasis on historical specialization relegated world history to the academic dustbin. Maintains that the globalization of culture, economics, and societies has created a reimagining of world history. Discusses issues and presents recommendations on research and curriculum development in world history. (CFR)

Asserts that recent efforts to demonstrate the weaknesses of Frederick Jackson Turner's Frontier Thesis only have strengthened its reputation. Discusses the significance of Turner's thesis and its evolution during the past 100 years. Concludes that historical presentism flattens the drama of history. (CFR)

Compares historical writing and historiography of the 19th and 20th centuries. Asserts that early history, written primarily by amateur historians, was simplistic and prone to error. Maintains that present-day histories provide more coverage of ethnic groups and women. (CFR)

Explains that, until the decay of the post-World War II consensus on U.S. history, the history of American Indians remained in academic limbo. Contends that the events of the 1960s, including the civil rights and antiwar movements, resulted in a strong interest in American Indian studies. (CFR)

Reviews the role of political history throughout 100 years of historiography in the "American Historical Review." Presents 2 choices available to political historians who wish to reclaim their central place in history. Reviews recent research and interpretations of political history. (CFR)