Past & Present (journal)
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. A combination of Marxist and non-Marxist historians founded this publication. John Morris served as one of the key founders alongside other figures. The Communist Party Historians Group played a central role in its creation. Members included E. P. Thompson, Christopher Hill, Eric Hobsbawm, Raphael Samuel, Rodney Hilton, and Dona Torr. Gordon Childe was also a founder member of the board. These individuals sought to create a space for social history within academia.
E. P. Thompson, Christopher Hill, and Eric Hobsbawm shaped the early editorial direction of the journal. They were members of the Communist Party Historians Group. Their collective work advocated History from Below. This approach explained the history of class, labour, and social relations. The group's influence extended beyond simple political alignment. They brought diverse perspectives to the table while maintaining shared goals. Their collaboration helped establish the journal's unique identity. The presence of these names signaled a serious commitment to new historical methods. Their network provided the intellectual backbone for the publication's first decade.
Past & Present drew significant inspiration from the Annales school of historians. This French movement aimed to write history in its totality. It integrated social history with broader historical contexts. The journal adopted this holistic approach to study human societies. It moved away from focusing solely on political events or great men. Instead it examined economic structures, cultural patterns, and daily life. This shift allowed for a more comprehensive understanding of the past. The integration of Annales ideas strengthened the journal's academic standing. It became a bridge between British and European historical traditions.
The History Workshop movement began in the 1960s as a platform for studying ordinary people. Past & Present greatly expanded its influence after Thompson published The Making of the English Working Class in 1963. This book exemplified the movement's core values. It focused on the lives of working-class individuals rather than elites. The journal supported similar efforts to document everyday experiences. It encouraged scholars to look at history from the bottom up. This connection helped define the direction of modern historical research. The movement gained momentum through the pages of the journal.
John Morris served as editor from 1952 until 1960. He remained chairman of the editorial board until 1972. His leadership established the foundational principles of the publication. Subsequent changes occurred in the board chairmanship over time. Joanna Innes currently holds the position of chair of the editorial board. She serves as the Winifred Holtby Fellow and Tutor in Modern History at Somerville College, University of Oxford. The transition of power reflected evolving priorities within the field. Each leader brought new perspectives while maintaining the journal's core mission. The continuity of the society ensured stability during these shifts.
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Common questions
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.
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.