Silencing the Past: Power and the Production of History (20th Anniv Edition)

by Michel-Rolph Trouillot

• ISBN13: 9780807080535
• ISBN10: 0807080535
• eBook ISBN(s): 9780807080542
• Additional ISBN(s): 9780807043110
• Edition: Anniv.
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2015-03-17
• Publisher: Beacon Press
• More Book Details

About This Book

Silencing the Past: Power and the Production of History

ISBN: 9780807080535

Silencing the Past is a groundbreaking book by Michel-Rolph Trouillot, first published in 1995 and revised for its 20th anniversary in 2015. This modern classic explores the contexts in which history is produced, shedding light on how power operates in the making and recording of history. The book places the West's failure to acknowledge the Haitian Revolution alongside denials of the Holocaust and the debate over the Alamo, offering a stunning meditation on historical silences.

Who Uses It?

Primarily, this book is used by students and scholars in fields such as history, anthropology, Caribbean studies, African-American studies, and post-colonial studies. It is also a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding how power shapes historical narratives and for educators looking to incorporate critical perspectives on history into their curriculum.

History and Editions

The book has been a staple in college classrooms for over two decades. The 20th anniversary edition includes a new foreword by renowned scholar Hazel Carby, which introduces a new generation of readers to Trouillot's brilliant analysis of power and history's silences. This edition continues to resonate with scholars and students alike, offering insights into the production of history that are both timely and timeless.

Author and Other Works

Michel-Rolph Trouillot was a Haitian-American anthropologist and historian known for his work on the intersection of history, anthropology, and Caribbean studies. His other notable works include "Haiti: State Against Nation: The Origins and Legacy of Duvalierism" and "Global Transformations: Anthropology and the Modern World." Trouillot's writing style is characterized by its clarity and depth, making complex historical concepts accessible to a broad audience.

Detailed Information

ISBNs and Formats

• Paperback: ISBN-13: 9780807080535
• Digital/ETextbook: ISBN-13: 9780807080542 (available through VitalSource)
• Other Editions/Formats: The book is also available in digital formats through various e-textbook platforms.

Publication Details

• Publisher: Beacon Press
• Publication Date: March 17, 2015
• Number of Pages: 216 pages
• Language: English

Other Editions and Formats

• The book has been revised for its 20th anniversary with a new foreword by Hazel Carby.
• The digital edition is available through VitalSource, offering built-in study tools like highlights and read-aloud features.

Related ISBNs:

• 9780807080542 (Digital/ETextbook)
• 9780807080535 (Paperback)

This detailed information section provides a quick reference for all the available formats and sources for "Silencing the Past," making it easier to find and access the book in the preferred format.

Author Biography

Michel-Rolph Trouillot (1949–2012) was one of the most prominent Haitian scholars working in the United States. He was the director of the Institute for Global Studies in Culture, Power, and History and Krieger/Eisenhower Distinguished Professor in anthropology at Johns Hopkins University. Hazel V. Carby is the Charles C. and Dorothea S. Dilley Professor of African American Studies, professor of American studies, and director of the Initiative on Race, Gender and Globalization at Yale University.