The book is a critique of the historical method and its application to medieval history. It argues that historians rely too heavily on written records and ignore oral traditions and other forms of evidence. The author contends that this approach leads to an incomplete and inaccurate understanding of the past. The work focuses on the limitations of written sources, particularly those from the 12th century, which are often biased or unreliable. Belloc also examines the role of oral tradition in shaping historical narratives and argues that it should be given more weight in historical research. Throughout the book, the author critiques the prevailing views of medieval history and offers alternative interpretations based on a more nuanced understanding of the evidence. He emphasizes the importance of considering multiple sources and perspectives when reconstructing the past. The work is divided into several sections, each addressing a different aspect of the historical method and its application to medieval history. The author's arguments are supported by detailed analysis of specific examples and case studies. Overall, the book presents a challenging critique of traditional historical methods and offers a fresh perspective on the study of medieval history.
By Hilaire Belloc · First published 1924 · Genre: Non-fiction, History, Philosophy