A Survey of Ukrainian History
A Survey of Ukrainian History

Author(s): Dmytro Doroshenko
Subject(s): Modern Age, Recent History (1900 till today)
Published by: CEEOL Digital Reproductions / Collections
Keywords: HUMENIUK PUBLICATION FOUNDATION;
Summary/Abstract: The question may arise, ‘Why do the historcal studies by D. Doroshenko remain without competition?’ The answer must be based on the writer’s understanding of what constitutes good historianship. Because there are no fixed criteria in the writing and critical evaluation of historical studies, and because the understanding of history has to be viewed as an effort of a mind conditioned by present culture, it is sometimes contended by historians that any criterion is as good as any other and that no criterion is demonstrably superior to any other. As a result, not only highly commendable, but also many dull, pedantic and inaccurate works of history are written. The only way either to recommend or to eliminate them is through high standards of critical evaluation. History as ‘Geschichtswissenschaft’ does not devise general criteria; it depends upon the ‘Gesetzwissenschaften’ for its general criteria. However, such contentions disregard several principles that a conscientious historian generally endeavors to practice. Good historianship may be the result of principles and qualities rarely found in combination, but indifferent historianship is frequently due to a historian’s mere unwillingness to take pains to achieve perfection through the “little things” of history — thesis, documentation, historical heuristics, organization of the material, style and the general value of the narrative. These “little things” constitue perfection. The historical studies by D. Doroshenko remain without competition because the author was willing to pay particular attention to these “little things”. (Vira P. Flak)

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