On November 24th, Professor Xiang Rong from Fudan University gave a lecture for Institute of European Civilization on R. H. Tawney and British historiography in A Hundred Years.
Professor Xiang Rong indicated that R. H. Tawney was the most influential and controversial historian in Britain in the 20th century, and Tawney’s academic status has experienced a century of ups and downs. The historical period from 1540 to 1640 was named “Tawney’s Century” because of his remarkable research. Professor Xiang Rong explained Tawney’s research on history of economy and society, the scientization and de-scientization of western history research in the mid- and late-twentieth century, crisis in British history and so on. He considered that the scientization and de-scientization of western history research and appearance of postmodernism had direct correlation with Tawney’s fate. In the meantime, the evaluation of Tawney and his research also intertwined with special political environment in Britain.Tawney has been highly valued among English historians since the 21st century. Professor Xiang Rong concerned English historiography and social change in the long term, while he looked into Tawney’s academic contribution and his destiny. It dedicated to provide valuable references for the development of temporary China history research.
Xiang Rong is the professor of Department of History, Fudan University. He is the vice president of Chinese Medieval History Society and the president of Shanghai World History Society. His research mainly focus on British history and European history.
