Stories and Fallacies

Problems that arise when writing history.

How do we know that historians' accounts are true? To what extent can we trust their interpretations of the past? Histories and Fallacies is a manual on the conceptual and methodological problems of the discipline of history. Historian Carl Trueman presents a series of classic historical problems as a way to examine what history is, what it means, and how it can be told and understood. Each chapter of Histories and Fallacies discusses a specific problem, examines classic examples of that problem, and then suggests a solution or an approach that will be fruitful for the writer or reader of history.

Readers who follow Trueman's skilled writing will not only learn theory, but will already be practicing fruitful approaches to history. Histories and Fallacies guides both readers and writers of history to move away from dead ends and methodological errors and gain new confidence in the productive nature of the historical task.

This is a very valuable book, full of historiographical wisdom. I highly recommend it as a sure and encouraging guide for aspiring historians, perplexed by the so-called 'history wars', and for anyone interested in the challenges faced by those who deal with the history of Christian thought. Douglas A. Sweeney Dean, Professor of Divinity, Beeson Divinity School

Carl Trueman's compelling and engaging approach to historiography provides meaningful examples of the problems historians face and the types of fallacies frequently found in historical argumentation. Trueman charts a clear path between problematic and exaggerated conclusions, on the one hand, and claims of total objectivity, on the other. His illustrations, spanning several centuries of Western history, are eloquent. He offers a combination of rigorous historical analysis along with an understanding of the logical and argumentative obstacles to which historians are exposed, which is a service to the field and should be a useful guide for researchers who are just starting out. Essential for research methodology courses. Richard A. Muller P. J. Zondervan Professor of Historical Theology, Calvin Theological Seminary

Since the past shapes the present, a fair understanding of the past is important for any individual, society, or church. Here is wise and practical advice for those who want to write history for others on how to do it well. Follow this guide and avoid the pitfalls. David Bebbington Professor of History, University of Stirling

Carl R. Trueman (PhD, University of Aberdeen) is Professor of Biblical and Religious Studies at Grove City College. He is an esteemed Church historian and formerly a William E. Simon Fellow in Religion and Public Life at Princeton University. Trueman is the author or editor of over a dozen books, including Luther in the Christian Life, Histories and Fallacies, among many others. Trueman is a member of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC), and is one of the most respected Christian historians and thinkers today.