Histories and Fallacies : Problems Faced in the Writing of History

248 Pages·2010·1.171 MB·English

by  Carl R. Trueman

“This is a very good book, full of historiographical wisdom. I
recommend it strongly as a sure and encouraging guide to
budding historians befuddled by the so-called ‘history wars,’
and to anyone who is interested in the challenges attending
those who represent the history of Christian thought.”
Douglas A. Sweeney, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
“Carl Trueman’s cogent and engaging approach to
historiography provides significant examples of problems
faced by historians and the kinds of fallacies frequently
encountered in historical argumentation. Trueman steers a
clear path between problematic and overdrawn con clusions
on the one hand and claims of utter objectivity on the other.
His illustrations, covering several centuries of Western
history, are telling. He offers a combination of careful
historical analysis coupled with an understanding of the
logical and argumentative pitfalls to which historians are
liable that is a service to the field and should provide a useful
guide to beginning researchers. A must for courses on
research methodology.”
Richard Muller, P. J. Zondervan Professor of Historical
Theology, Calvin Theological Seminary
“Because the past shapes the present, a just understanding of
the past is important for any individual, society, or church.
Here is wise and practical advice for those wanting to write
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history for others about how to do it well. Follow this
guidance and avoid the pitfalls!”
David Bebbington, Professor of History, University of
Stirling
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Histories and Fallacies: Problems Faced in the Writing of
History
Copyright © 2010 by Carl R. Trueman
Published by Crossway
1300 Crescent Street
Wheaton, Illinois 60187
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any
form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy,
recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the
publisher, except as provided by USA copyright law.
Interior design and typesetting: Lakeside Design Plus
Cover image: Photographic visiting card of Karl Marx
(1818–93) with his signature (photo)
by French School (19th century) Musee de L’Histoire
Vivante, Montreuil, France/ Archives
Charmet/ The Bridgeman Art Library
First printing 2010
Printed in the United States of America
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy
Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by
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Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News
Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Trade Paperback ISBN: 978-1-58134-923-8
PDF ISBN: 978-1-4335-1263-6
Mobipocket ISBN: 978-1-4335-1264-3
ePub ISBN: 978-1-4335-2080-8
Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data
Trueman, Carl R.
Histories and fallacies : problems faced in the writing of
history / Carl R. Trueman.
p. cm.
Includes bibliographical references.
ISBN 978-1-58134-923-8 (trade pbk.)—ISBN
978-1-4335-1263-6 (PDF) —ISBN 978-1-4335-1264-3
(Mobipocket)—ISBN 978-1-4335-2080-8 (ePub)
1. Historiography—Handbooks, manuals, etc. 2.
History—Philosophy. 3. History— Methodology. 4.
History—Errors, inventions, etc. I. Title.
D13.T74 2010
907.2—dc22
2010021878
Crossway is a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
VP 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14
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5 4 3 2 1
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In Memory of John Harry Trueman
1939–2008
Who first taught me to love stories.
The rest, as they say, is history.
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Acknowledgments
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Introduction
1. The Denial of History 25
2. Grand Schemes and Misdemeanors 69
3. The Past Is a Foreign Country 109
4. A Fistful of Fallacies 141
169
Concluding Historical Postscript
Appendix: The Reception of Calvin: Historical
183
Considerations
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This book is one that I had wanted to write for some
time. I have always loved all kinds of history, and so when
Allan Fisher offered me the opportunity to write on topics
outside of my immediate area of specialization, such as
Holocaust Denial and Marxism, the temptation was
irresistible. Thanks therefore go to Allan for commissioning
the volume; to Justin Taylor for suggesting the idea in the
first place; and to all the staff at Crossway who have been
both very patient with the constant delays to the book and so
efficient in expediting the process once I had finished the
manuscript. As always, I am indebted to my colleagues in
Academic Affairs at Westminster, Mrs. Becky Lippert and
Mrs. Leah Stapleton, who have shouldered much of the
administrative burden so that I have been free to pursue my
writing projects. Finally, my wife and children have, as
always, proved a constant source of encouragement and
inspiration.
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