In this introduction to the practical application of History, John Tosh persuasively argues we are in danger of missing history's principal contribution. Using topical examples from the Iraq War to AIDs to globalization, this text shows how history can provide the basis for an informed and critical understanding of our society.

Prologue: Britain in Iraq -- Contending histories -- Other worlds -- Becoming ourselves -- Parallels in the past -- Family 'in crisis': a case study -- History goes public -- Citizens' resource -- Conclusion.