- introduces students to the concepts of historical objectivity, frameworks and debate
- explains the differences in aims, methods and audiences for different types of history
- explores the relationship between the skills developed during a history undergraduate degree and the practice of professional history
- helps students develop the practical skills required to read historical writing critically, write good essays, and participate in historical debates
- includes study questions, further reading lists, text boxes, maps and illustrations

The book incorporates case studies taken from a range of regions and periods, reflecting the varied nature of historical study at university, and helps students to understand history, and to practice it successfully: it is an indispensable guide to studying history.