Behind this book lies the assumption that, in spite of protestations to the contrary, historians have created their own specialized vocabulary or unique ways of defining familiar words. As a result, Ritter's dictionary will serve as a quick means to the definition and background of more than 80 concepts commonly used or misused by historians. Each entry includes a brief definition of the concept, a historical essay of its development with appropriate cross-references to related entries, an annotated list of the works cited in the essay, and suggestions for further reading. A generous index of persons and subjects allows for more comprehensive linking of material in the individual entries that can be accomplished by simply using the cross-references. Ritter's choice of historical concepts includes basic terms, such as `crisis,' `event,' and `fact'; various isms such as `historicism,' `idealism,' and `positivism'; and types of history--comparative, intellectual, social or universal. Although the concepts often possess multiple and conflicting definitions, Ritter's entries skillfully guide the reader to an overall historical and philosophical understanding of the various usages. The selection of concepts is generally thorough.... Undergraduate and graduate collections.