Return of the "Big Picture"?

Historians Jo Guldi and David Armitage have published the History Manifesto (free download on Cambridge University Press), challenging the increasing specialization and limitation of historical inquiry. They argue for a return to "long-term history" – an analysis of longer periods and comprehensive narratives – to be able to show "the Big Picture": 'How should historians speak truth to power - and why does it matter? Why is five hundred years better than five months or five years as a plannin..