Historiography

Historiography, the published product of the historian's declared interest in the past; the writing of history. It is not by itself "history," but is by necessity part of the historical record. The serious study of history therefore also requires an awareness of the historical conditions and social assumptions that give rise to different forms of historiographical interpretation.

The Canadian historiographic corpus has developed separately in English Canada and French Canada, but similarities exist. History, once the amateur's preserve, has come to be written principally by professional scholars, both anglophone and francophone. The establishment of such national agencies as the NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF CANADA (NAC) and such bodies as the ROYAL SOCIETY OF CANADA was of benefit to both. Approaches to the recording of history still differ, as do preoccupations in the choice of subject matter; but conferences and journals now provide forums for the sharing of historiographic materials, knowledge and methodology.

See also HISTORIOGRAPHY IN FRENCH; HISTORIOGRAPHY IN ENGLISH.

Links to Other Sites
Canadian Historical Association
The website for the Canadian Historical Association, a bilingual organization that serves professional historians and others with an interest in history. Check out the latest news and online articles.

The Lumpenproletariat in “The Goldendog” and “Roger Sudden”
A critical look at Canadian historical fiction from “Studies in Canadian Literature/Études en littérature canadienne.”

Literature and Canadian History: A Marriage Made in Heaven?
A thought-provoking article about the educational value of historical fiction. From the “Canadian Social Studies” journal.

Historicity In Historical Fiction: Burning Water and the Temptations of Big Bear
This article offers a critical assessment of the “narrativization” of history. From “Studies in Canadian Literature.”

Memoirs Of A Less Travelled Road: A Historian's Life
A review of "Memoirs Of A Less Travelled Road: A Historian's Life," an autobiography by the eminent Canadian historian Marcel Trudel. From the "Montreal Review of Books."

Creating Historical Memory: English-Canadian Women and the Work of History
This book review concerns the unique perspectives of women who wrote about Canadian history. From the journal “Labour/Le Travail.”

J.B. Tyrrell Historical Medal
The Royal Society of Canada awards the J.B. Tyrrell Historical Medal in recognition of outstanding work in the history of Canada. Their website features brief profiles of previous medal winners. J.B. Tyrrell was a renowned geologist, geographer, explorer, engineer, and amateur historian.

Cundill Prize
The website for the Cundill International Prize and Lecture in History at McGill University (Cundill Prize.) This prize is offered each year by McGill University to an individual who has published a book determined to have had (or likely to have) a profound literary, social and academic impact in the area of history.