The more history changes, the more it's like everything else

Robert Townsend’s book, History’s Babel, is the perfect introduction for a person like me who is just beginning his graduate work in history. Granted, this book is no one’s “gateway drug” into the field of history research or teaching. But I thought it was helpful to understand how the field has developed and see the many difficulties that have been encountered in getting to where history stands now. It’s clear that Townsend did his work. I was honestly surprised that so much information could be compiled about the history of 20th century history. But the author dug deep by reading through all of the relevant academic reports on the direction of history in the areas of scholarly research, archival practices, and teaching. Townsend also poured through a number of letters among historians discussing all of these topics. At first, I thought it was odd that they saved those letters, but then, isn’t that EXACTLY what historians would do? There were a number of items or issues that stood out to me as particularly interesting. First, I was amazed that there was practically no discussion of the role of race or gender in the development of the history discipline. On one hand, I realize that Townsend’s project was narrowly focused, but it would have been interesting to know what the great names of 20th century history felt about rampant racism and sexism, and if black colleges were discussing the changes of history. Third, I was intrigued by the connection between history and social science. I have personally lived the odd connection between history and political science at my job. I have started off in the social science cohort, then was moved to the “history and political science” section, and now I’m back in a social science grouping. Fourth, I think that this book is really a case study in a much larger phenomenon: the development and bureaucratization of the twentieth century. All organizations, public and private, saw similar issues come along as more and more people wanted decent jobs and lifestyles, and technology improved the ability to accomplish more. Specialization, professionalism, and the de-ruralization of American life changed all professions, and not just history or even academia. But it is interesting to how these factors impacted history. I look forward to discussing this book with all of you tomorrow. And happy Labor Day!