Booklist
Trouillot, a widely respected scholar of Haitian history, has experienced firsthand how the recounting of historical "truth" can be manipulated to serve the interests of a particular group in power. Nevertheless, he rejects the facile proposition that history is no more than self-justifying propaganda written by the "winners" of conflict. Rather, he suggests that we can gain a broader and more accurate view of past events by striving to listen to a broader spectrum of voices. While recognizing that competing groups and individuals may lack equal access to modes of communication, he maintains that the variety of voices is there; we simply have to work harder to hear them. To illustrate this point, Trouillot examines the untold aspects of the Haitian independence struggle as well as the ongoing conflict over the "true" legacy of Columbus. Trouillot is a first-rate scholar with provocative ideas; general readers may find themselves somewhat lost in his discourses, but serious students of history should find his work a feast for the mind. Jay Freeman
--Ce texte fait référence à une édition épuisée ou non disponible de ce titre.
Book Description
Silencing the Past is a thought-provoking analysis of historical narrative. Taking examples ranging from the Haitian Revolution to Columbus Day, Michel-Rolph Trouillot demonstrates how power operates, often invisibly, at all stages in the making of history to silence certain voices.
"Makes the postmodernist debate come alive."
--Choice
"Trouillot, a widely respected scholar of Haitian history . . . is a first-rate scholar with provocative ideas . . . Serious students of history should find his work a feast for the mind."
--Jay Freedman, Booklist
"Elegantly written and richly allusive, . . . Silencing the Past is an important contribution to the anthropology of history. Its most lasting impression is made perhaps by Trouillot's own voice--endlessly agile, sometimes cuttingly funny, but always evocative in a direct and powerful, almost poetic way."
--Donald L. Donham, Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute
"A sparkling interrogation of the past. . . . A beautifully written, superior book."
--Foreign Affairs
"Silencing the Past is a polished personal essay on the meanings of history. . . . [It] is filled with wisdom and humanity."
--Bernard Mergen, American Studies International
"An eloquent book."
--Choice
"Written with clarity, wit, and style throughout, this book is for everyone interested in historical culture."
--Civilization
"A beautifully written book, exciting in its challenges."
--Eric R. Wolf
"Aphoristic and witty, . . . a hard-nosed look at the soft edges of public discourse about the past."
--Arjun Appadurai
"Makes the postmodernist debate come alive."
--Choice
"Trouillot, a widely respected scholar of Haitian history . . . is a first-rate scholar with provocative ideas . . . Serious students of history should find his work a feast for the mind."
--Jay Freedman, Booklist
"Elegantly written and richly allusive, . . . Silencing the Past is an important contribution to the anthropology of history. Its most lasting impression is made perhaps by Trouillot's own voice--endlessly agile, sometimes cuttingly funny, but always evocative in a direct and powerful, almost poetic way."
--Donald L. Donham, Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute
"A sparkling interrogation of the past. . . . A beautifully written, superior book."
--Foreign Affairs
"Silencing the Past is a polished personal essay on the meanings of history. . . . [It] is filled with wisdom and humanity."
--Bernard Mergen, American Studies International
"An eloquent book."
--Choice
"Written with clarity, wit, and style throughout, this book is for everyone interested in historical culture."
--Civilization
"A beautifully written book, exciting in its challenges."
--Eric R. Wolf
"Aphoristic and witty, . . . a hard-nosed look at the soft edges of public discourse about the past."
--Arjun Appadurai
