Does history have meaning?

Should we study history to search for lessons it might teach or to discern its relevance to our own preoccupations? What were earlier generations of historians trying to convey in their institutions or through wider instruction? Beyond a chronicle of past events, does history have meaning?

In this edition of Black's History Week, The Critic's political editor, Graham Stewart, talks to Professor Jeremy Black, author of Contesting History and Clio's Battles, about whether the past can be a servant to the present.

__

Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on Spotify and iTunes to ensure you never you never miss an episode.

Right now we’re offering 3 months for just £5. Go to thecritic.imbmsubscriptions.com/ for details.

__

Image: Statue of Clio, Muse of History (Photo by The Art Collector/Print Collector/Getty Images)

Music: Radetzky March by Human Symphony Orchestra (premiumbeat.com)

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.