A book on the study of history by G R Elton, it makes a major contribution to the question 'What is history?'. It sets out Elton's experience in the study, writing and teaching of history. It includes an which assesses the book's relationship to Elton's work, and its impact on the historical profession and its lessons for historians.

This original and important book on the study of history is now available in a new edition. G. R. Elton's classic work is a wide-ranging, succinct and practical introduction for all students and general readers, and it makes a major contribution to the question "What is history?"

This book sets out Elton's experience in the study, writing and teaching of history. The author perceived the work as a manifesto, an explanation of his faith and practice of the subject. The book has become a classic text for students and teachers since its first publication in 1969. This edition includes a new afterword by Richard Evans which assesses the book's relationship to Elton's work as a whole, its impact on the historical profession and its lessons for historians today.

The new edition of G. R. Elton's classic work is a wide-ranging, succinct and practical introduction for all students and general readers of history. It makes a major contribution to the question "what is history?".