David Manning

Talking History David Manning

A history of the Institute of Historical Research at the School of Advanced Study in London.

The founding of the Institute of Historical Research at the School of Advanced Study in London was a landmark event in British historiography. From the very beginning, the Institute came alive in the late afternoon, as students and teachers got together in the common room for a cup of tea before participating in lively academic seminars. While the form, content, and function of these events have evolved over the years, the seminars remain the beating heart of the Institute and the people involved in its lifeblood. The Institute now stands as one of the most vital centers of historical research conducted in the English language anywhere in the world. That position has been achieved in no small part by the service of the seminars as both an intellectual hub and an enabler of innovative, high-quality research in all its diverse forms. Talking History offers a fascinating overview of the history of seminars and seminarians at the Institute of Historical Research from its founding to today. A significant contribution to understanding the nature of academia today, the book reflects on the ongoing evolution in both historical research and the role of historical research in academia and society.