When was Past & Present journal founded?
The year 1952 marked the birth of Past & Present, a British historical academic journal. It emerged as an alternative to mainstream political history journals after the Second World War.
Questions about Past & Present (journal)
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who were the founders of Past & Present journal?
A combination of Marxist and non-Marxist historians founded this publication including John Morris, E. P. Thompson, Christopher Hill, Eric Hobsbawm, Raphael Samuel, Rodney Hilton, Dona Torr, and Gordon Childe. These individuals sought to create a space for social history within academia through the Communist Party Historians Group.
What historical approach did Past & Present adopt from the Annales school?
Past & Present drew significant inspiration from the Annales school of historians which aimed to write history in its totality by integrating social history with broader historical contexts. The journal moved away from focusing solely on political events or great men to examine economic structures, cultural patterns, and daily life instead.
How did The Making of the English Working Class influence Past & Present journal?
Past & Present greatly expanded its influence after Thompson published The Making of the English Working Class in 1963. This book exemplified the History Workshop movement core values by focusing on the lives of working-class individuals rather than elites.
When did John Morris serve as editor of Past & Present journal?
John Morris served as editor from 1952 until 1960 and remained chairman of the editorial board until 1972. His leadership established the foundational principles of the publication before subsequent changes occurred in the board chairmanship over time.