The Fabric of Historical Time (Elements in Historical Theory and Practice)

The Fabric of Historical Time (Elements in Historical Theory and Practice)

Historical time is a notoriously elusive notion. Yet, as societies attempt to make sense of rapidly changing worlds, it gains a new significance in the twenty-first century. This Element sketches a theory of historical time as based on a distinction between temporality and historicity. It approaches the fabric of historical time as varying relational arrangements and interactions of multiple temporalities and historicities. In the fabric, kinds of temporalities and historicities emerge, come to being, fade out, transform, cease to exist, merge, coexist, overlap, arrange and rearrange in constellations, and clash and conflict in a dynamic without a predetermined plot. The Element pays special attention to the more-than-human temporalities of the Anthropocene, the technology-fueled historicities of runaway changes, and the conflicts in the fabric of historical time at the intersections of technological, ecological, and social change. ‘… does an excellent job of both surveying the existing work on the history of time and identifying research gaps and desiderata. As such, it is a highly recommended read for both experienced researchers and those venturing into the field of historical time studies for the first time.’ Alexandra Ksenofontova, Kronoscope 'This book does an excellent job of both surveying the existing work on the history of time and identifying research gaps and desiderata. As such, it is a highly recommended read for both experienced researchers and those venturing into the field of historical time studies for the first time.’ Alexandra Ksenofontova, Kronoscope This Element attempts to be the ultimate guide to historical time.