Description

Rating: **

Tags: General, Philosophy, History, Decision-Making & Problem Solving, Education, Historiography, Study & Teaching, Decision Making, Lang:en

Publisher: Penguin Group

Added: August 24, 2018

Modified: November 5, 2021

Summary

Review

"'In a world where the spin doctor has replaced the historian, MacMillan reminds readers of the importance of dispassionate, fact-driven narrative, as opposed to reassuring or self-serving accounts that pass for history while burying the unpleasant truths.' - Ottawa Sun 'This is history used as its own best argument' - The Toronto Sun"

Product Description

The past is capricious enough to support every stance - no matter how questionable. In 2002, the Bush administration decided that dealing with Saddam Hussein was like appeasing Hitler or Mussolini, and promptly invaded Iraq. Were they wrong to look to history for guidance? No; their mistake was to exaggerate one of its lessons while suppressing others of equal importance. History is often hijacked through suppression, manipulation, and, sometimes, even outright deception. MacMillan's book is packed full of examples of the abuses of history. In response, she urges us to treat the past with care and respect.