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In the 1970s, the academic paradigm transformation occurred in the field of Western historical theory. The analytical philosophy of history that flourished after the Second World War was gradually replaced by the narrativist philosophy of history, which is still the most dominant theoretical form in contemporary Western historiography. This transformation is often called the narrative turn. This book focuses on the theoretical orientations of Hayden White and Ankersmit, the main representatives of this turn. It analyzes the theoretical issues in the field of intellectual history research based on the case of Skinner, the leader of the Cambridge School. It also explores the ideas of rethinking historical facts, historical interpretation, objectivity of history and other issues in the context of the new frontier of historical theory based on the development history of historical theory in the 20th century. The new edition plans to add two or three articles: "Some Analysis of Narrativist Historiography Theory", "Caricatured Postmodern Historiography", etc.

"The Narrative Turn: An Examination of Contemporary Western Historical Theory" focuses on the theoretical orientations of Hayden White and Ankersmit, the main representatives of this turn. It analyzes the theoretical issues in the field of intellectual history research based on the case of Skinner, the leader of the Cambridge School. Combined with the development history of historical theory in the 20th century, it explores ideas for rethinking historical facts and historical explanations, and the objectivity of history in the context of the new frontier of historical theory. In the 1970s, the academic paradigm transformation occurred in the field of Western historical theory. The analytical philosophy of history that flourished after the Second World War was gradually replaced by the narrativist philosophy of history, which is still the most dominant theoretical form in contemporary Western historiography. This transformation is often called the narrative turn.

Since the publication of Hayden White's "Metahistoriography" in 1973, the trend of postmodernism has had a strong impact on the academic field of history. Both historical theory and historical practice have been deeply affected and undergone tremendous changes. This book selects fifteen of the most representative articles by Hayden White, Carlo Ginzburg and other famous figures to discuss many issues in postmodernist historiography theory. It is not only a summary of decades of development in the field, but also a profound reflection on the philosophy of history and historical practice itself.