The Passionate Historian: A Conversation with John Elliott

Description

This book is based on an in-depth conversation between Howard Burton and John Elliott, Professor of Modern History at University of Oxford. This extensive conversation provides behind-the-scenes insights into how an undergraduate encounter with a 17th-century painting of The Count-Duke Olivares led John Elliott on a lifelong odyssey to study the history of Spain, Europe and the Americas in the early modern period to become one of the greatest Spanish historians of our age. This carefully-edited book includes an introduction,Two Cheers for Objectivity, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter: Beginnings - The benefits of travel In Search of Objectivity - Sentimental dangers Past and Present - How to revivify yourself Circumventing Obstacles - The benefits of pressing on Doing History - Comparing, connecting and writing well The Power of Imagination - Surprise tests and non-barking dogs Decline - What it means, exactly The Impact of Technology - Strengths and weaknesses Going Global - Opportunities and challenges History's Due - Beyond the theme park About Ideas Roadshow Conversations Series (100 books): Presented in an accessible, conversational format, Ideas Roadshow books not only explore frontline academic research featuring world-leading researchers, including 3 Nobel Laureates, but also reveal the inspirations and personal journeys behind the research. Howard Burton holds a PhD in physics and an MA in philosophy, and was the Founding Director of Canada's Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics.