Based upon personal experience and shared discussions with fellow historians, these essays analyse the ever-fascinating business of studying the past. The first section explains the importance of History; the second explores its evolution as a subject of study; the third assesses the intellectual contribution of influential historians known to me personally; and the fourth reviews the arts of academic assessment and of being (anonymously) assessed.

6.1 WHY HISTORY MATTERS
6.2 HISTORY OF HISTORY
6.3 FELLOW HISTORIANS
6.4 ARTS OF ACADEMIC ASSESSMENT
6.5 PLEASURES OF INTELLECTUAL LIFE