Why Historiography Matters
Keyword(s):
The Rich
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This introductory chapter stresses the importance of a history of the study of objects as historical evidence. It argues that there is more depth to the use of objects as evidence than we might think, and a more sophisticated inventory of approaches and arguments on which to draw than we might imagine. To expand on this point, the chapter introduces a brief background into the history of antiquarianism, with special emphasis on how people have thought about studying objects as evidence and with reference to antiquarian ideas and practices dating back to Ancient Greek times. The chapter also details the author's own explorations and extrapolations of the rich history of material culture.