History as a Translation of the Past - by Luigi Alonzi (Paperback)

About the Book

"Combining elements of cultural history and translation studies, this book explores a new theoretical approach which recognises history as a translation of historical deeds with present language"--

Book Synopsis

This volume considers how the act through which historians interpret the past can be understood as one of epistemological and cognitive translation. The book convincingly argues that words, images, and historical and archaeological remains can all be considered as objects deserving the same treatment on the part of historians, whose task consists exactly in translating their past meanings into present language. It goes on to examine the notion that this act of translation is also an act of synchronization which connects past, present, and future, disrupting and resetting time, as well as creating complex temporalities differing from any linear chronology. Using a broad, deep interpretation of translation, History as a Translation of the Past brings together an international cast of scholars working on different periods to show how their respective approaches can help us to better understand and translate the past in the future.

About the Author

Luigi Alonzi is Professor of History at University of Palermo, Italy. He is the author of 'Economy' in European History (Bloomsbury Academic, forthcoming).