The Reinterpreting History book series, published by Oxford University Press in collaboration with the National History Center of the American Historical Association, delves into how historical interpretations shift over time. These edited volumes emerge from sessions at the American Historical Association’s annual meetings, bringing fresh perspectives to pivotal historical topics.
Featured Sessions
Two sessions from the 2013 AHA meeting were selected for inclusion in the series:
- “New Perspectives on the Progressive Era”
- “Theorizing the History of War and the Environment”
Program Highlights and Volume History
Making Sense of the Vietnam Wars (2008)
Edited by Marilyn B. Young and Mark Philip Bradley, this groundbreaking volume examines the Vietnam Wars through diverse lenses, including perspectives from the U.S., Vietnam, the former Soviet Union, China, Eastern Europe, France, and Great Britain. Praised as “path-breaking” and “exceptionally well-researched,” this book remains a vital resource for understanding the complexities of the Vietnam Wars.
Atlantic History: A Critical Appraisal (2009)
Edited by Jack Greene and Philip Morgan, this volume contrasts the Atlantic history model with other approaches, such as continental, hemispheric, and global history. Essays explore early modern experiences of Africans, indigenous peoples of the Americas, and European powers like the Spanish, Portuguese, British, French, and Dutch. It has become a favorite for college courses due to its broad scope and accessible analysis.
The Human Rights Revolution: An International History (2012)
Edited by Akira Iriye, Petra Goedde, and William Hitchcock, this volume has been celebrated as “a quantum leap forward” in human rights scholarship. Offering a critical perspective on one of the most pressing issues of our time, the book redefines our understanding of the global human rights movement.
Future Volumes in Progress
The series continues to expand, with upcoming volumes addressing key historical themes:
- The Cold War in the Third World
- The role of exploration in history
- The Jacksonian Era
- The emergence of a post-Cold War world
For more insights into the development of this series, refer to the article “Reinterpreting History: The NHC-OUP Collaboration Continues,” authored by series editor Susan Ferber, featured in the October 2011 issue of Perspectives.
The Reinterpreting History series not only enhances our understanding of the past but also underscores the dynamic nature of historical scholarship, offering readers a rich tapestry of interpretations that bridge time and place.