History and Myth in Romanian Consciousness / / Lucian Boia.

• VerfasserIn: Boia, Lucian,
• Place / Publishing House: Budapest ;, New York : : Central European University Press, , [2001]; ©2001
• Year of Publication: 2001
• Language: English
• Physical Description: 1 online resource (294 p.)

There is a considerable difference between real history and discourse history - this book stems from this idea. The author points out that history is constantly reconstructed, adapted and sometimes mythified from the perspective of the present day, of present states of mind and ideologies. Boia closely examines the process of historical culture and conscience in nineteenth and twentieth century Romania, particularly concentrating on the impact of the national ideology on history. Based upon his findings, the author identifies several key mythical configurations and analyses the manner in which Romanians have reconstituted their own highly ideologized history over the last two centuries. The strength of History and Myth in Romanian Consciousness lies in the author's ability to fully deconstruct the entire Romanian historiographic system and demonstrate the increasing acuteness of national problems in general, and in particular the exploitation of history to support national ideology.

Table of Contents

Frontmatter -- Contents -- Three Years on: an Introduction to the Second Romanian Edition -- Introduction to the First Edition -- CHAPTER ONE History, Ideology, Mythology -- CHAPTER TWO Origins -- CHAPTER THREE Continuity -- CHAPTER FOUR Unity -- CHAPTER FIVE The Romanians and the Others -- CHAPTER SIX The Ideal Prince -- CHAPTER SEVEN After 1989 -- Conclusion -- Notes -- Selected Bibliography -- Glossary -- Index