speakman ph. d.

The subject of this little book is History, which the author, a student and teacher of the subject for some 40 years, describes as a "strange discipline." After all, most written History is about dead people and why we, the living, should spend any time studying it, is a legitimate question taken seriously here. Chapters discuss what it is, how it is written, what good is it, and what, if anything, is happening in it. Thought provoking and clearly written, it would serve well as an introduction to the subject for beginning students as well as providing reflective material for those who already have found reading History a pleasurable and informative, if "strange," way to spend time.

Joseph M Speakman is a retired college professor with a Doctorate in History and 40 years teaching experience. His specialty was United States History and has several publications in that field.