századi történetírói szerepek

In 19th century Europe historiographers often took part in the nation-building that happened mostly in the second half of the century, and they often played an active role in public life. Their professional interest was not self-serving, as intellectuals in the service of modern nation states, they attributed actual political significance to their work. This study presents through Árpád Károlyi’s works how the work of historiographers connected to their several other roles. In their writings and speeches the objective, matter-of-fact style was sometimes replaced by meandering poetic images, artistic expression, patriotic fervor and clear political commitments.