Net', which constitutes a wonderful introduction to the study of historiography. Characterized by scholarly command of the most relevant literature, thorough and clear discussion of those sources and an impassioned endorsement of the contributions of the field of history, the book is resoundingly successful in achieving Popkin's stated aims. The effectiveness of the book is particularly evident through the efforts to trace the history of writing and study of history. Popkin provided over the initial five chapters, constituting part 1 of the text, a very clear but thorough discussion of the field from the Ancient Greek and Chinese historians up through the middle decades of the twentieth century. The evolution of the field over those millennia was considerable, with each age often making contributions to reassessing what history should be and adding new dimensions to its study. (…) In its modern form (…) history has come into its own as a vibrant field of ideas, diverse perspectives, and impassioned debates. Such complexity is both fascinating and challenging, but students of the field often find this reality to be quite confusing and so very different from the popular perception that history is simply about facts and set knowledge. (…). The new ways of thinking about the past, Popkin stresses, 'resulted from changes in historians' notions of how individuals and societies worked, and that there might not be any single criterion by which historical truth could be defined.' (…) 'Intellectually speaking', he continues, 'there is no question that history remains a vital and creative discipline and that historiographic analysis continues to have vital role to play.' (p.191). But perhaps the greatest quality that pervades Popkin's book is his passion for the field and the study of its history. (…) He conveys an intellectual journey to which all historians, whatever their pedigree, can relate. His comments throughout the book of his experience and growth as a professional help to personalise the specific process of coming to grips with historiography and its myriad phases of development over the years. In its full scope, Popkin's study constitutes a most accessible and clear analysis of the topic. (…) The perspectives Popkin offers help to clarify the vibrancy and full breadth and nuance that the field encompasses, and he should be commended for having taken on the challenging task of writing this book.' (DONNA SINCLAIR on H-USA, sept. 2016).