This book explores historical study in the face of current trends, including postcolonialism, postmodernism, and deconstruction, among others. Organized around a central thesis that historical scholarship and consciousness are not in crisis, the book begins with a general overview of standard intellectual history, including the major schools, issues, and questions ranging from science to morality, philosophy to anthropology. It provides a comprehensive survey of historical writing and introduces the assumptions and orientation influencing the writing of history as well as the major figures and schools. It makes history accessible through relevant current issues such as recent controversies over museum exhibits and Ònational standardsÓ for history which are forcing a reconsideration of the focus and political nature of historical study. An important reference book for every reader interested in the study of history as well as those interested in the influence of recent political trends.