Microhistory is a branch of the study of history. First developed in the 1970s microhistory is the study of the past on a very small scale. The most common type of microhistory is the study of a small town or village. Other common studies include looking at individuals of minor importance, or analysing a single painting. Microhistory is an important component of the "new history" that has emerged since the 1960s. It is usually done in close collaboration with the social sciences, such as anthropology and sociology.

Local history

Microhistory is to be distinguished from local history, in which research is not seen as a case study for more general historical trends, but is appreciated for its inherent interest to the local community.

Microhistorians

Noted microhistorians include:

• Wolfgang Behringer
• Alain Corbin
• Theo van Deursen
• Natalie Zemon Davis
• Clifford Geertz
• Carlo Ginzburg
• Craig Harline
• Ronald Hutton
• Mark Kurlansky
• Emmanuel Le Roy Ladurie
• Giovanni Levi
• Luis Mott
• Osvaldo Raggio
• Jacques Revel
• David Sabean
• Stella Tillyard
• Sigurður Gylfi Magnússon
• Alfred F. Young
• Jonathan D. Spence

External links

• Microhistory - The website of the Center for Microhistorical Research at the Reykjavik Academy in Iceland.
• Interesting article on microhistory by the chair of the Center for Microhistorical Research at the Reykjavik Academy
• Microhistory Network

See also

• Local History
• Scottish Rural Life, History Dictionary

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