Historical Essays

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

25099

Title

Historical Essays

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

In this collection of historical essays, James Ford Rhodes explores the nature of history, the profession of the historian, and the value of newspapers as sources. Addressing both classical and modern figures, Rhodes argues for the enduring relevance of historical study while acknowledging the supremacy of poetry and science. The volume offers a reflective look at American ideals, political evolution, and the challenges of interpreting the past.

Summary up to 500 words

In *Historical Essays*, James Ford Rhodes presents a comprehensive defense of history as a vital intellectual discipline, arguing that while physical sciences offer immediate utility, history preserves the essential memory of human action. Rhodes contends that history occupies a secure place alongside poetry and science, noting that even the greatest dramatists like Shakespeare function as historians, capturing the substance of truth with greater dramatic force than traditional chronicles. He acknowledges the dominance of natural sciences in modern life but insists that the 'historic sense' has increasingly invaded the domain of physical science, influencing how doctors treat disease and engineers understand structural development. Rhodes evaluates the evolution of historical methods since 1859, marking the publication of Darwin's *Origin of Species* as a pivotal moment that transformed history from a poet's dream into a scientific inquiry grounded in evolution, heredity, and environment. He assesses the great classical historians, praising Herodotus for his narrative power and epic unity despite his lack of critical skepticism, and Thucydides for his serious, dignified approach to recording facts. He also examines the contributions of Edward Gibbon and modern scholars like Samuel Rawson Gardiner and William E. H. Lecky, highlighting their distinct styles and impacts on the profession. A significant portion of the collection addresses the role of newspapers as historical sources. Rhodes argues that these publications serve not only as guides to public opinion but also as indispensable registers of facts, correcting logical assumptions and providing a record of speeches and events that official records often omit. He further explores the complexities of the American presidential office, tracing its expansion from Washington to McKinley, and analyzes the shifting political landscape through the lens of Edward L. Godkin. Rhodes tracks Godkin's journey from an optimistic believer in American democracy to a pessimist who lamented the decline of public morality and the failure of democracy to regenerate mankind. Through these varied topics, the book underscores the enduring legacy of those who record the human experience and the necessity of historical perspective for understanding current events.

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Categories

• History
• Great Britain
• United States