Contemporary history on trial

<p>Is it right for historians to serve as 'expert witnesses' to past events?<br><br>Since the end of the Cold War a series of heated and politicised debates across Europe have questioned the 'truth' about painful episodes in the twentieth century. From the Holocaust to Srebrenica inquiries and fact-finding commissions have become a common device employed by governments to deal with the pressure of public opinion. State-sponsored programmes of education and research attempt to encourage a common moral understanding of the lessons we learn from these painful memories. Contemporary historians have increasingly been drawn into these efforts since 1989 - in the courtroom in the media on commissions as advisers. In a series of thoughtful essays written by leading historians from across Europe this volume considers the ethics and responsibilities that this new role entails. <br><br>For anyone concerned with the role of the historian in contemporary society and how we arrive at a public understanding of history this book is essential reading.</p>