Abstract
Recent theoretical developments in the historical field have led historians increasingly to use the ‘personal’ in historical scholarship. This essay explores one manifestation of this new turn, the autobiographical introduction, to consider how and why historians have decided to become more prominent in the texts they produce. Using a range of examples from various historical fields, this essay argues that autobiographical performances produce an illusion of subjectivity but can never fully allow the ‘complete’ historian to intrude into the text. I consider how these introductions function in historical scholarship, analysing in particular how autobiographical acts can provide a forum for marginalized groups to gain a voice in academia, before considering what future the autobiographical introduction has in historical scholarship.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
