For both Bloch and Kantorowicz remind us of what Bloch called the ‘demon of origins’ in his very last book.īloch’s ‘demon’ is an obvious reference to the spirit that used to speak to Socrates in form of a capricious voice, and which the philosopher consulted before taking an important step. While I might ponder this at more length in another context, I would like to recall some reflexions of two of the most important historians of the 20 th century by any standard, two fellow medievalists as it happens, namely Marc Bloch and Ernst Kantorowicz. The piece in question is not terribly original, yet it is precisely in its triviality that its danger may reside. I have been asked to reflect on the piece by the group ‘Historians for Britain’ in History Today.
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