Must We Divide History Into Periods?

This thought-provoking work challenges the very framework through which we understand historical time, questioning whether periodization truly serves our comprehension of the past or simply imposes modern constructs onto it. The book specifically targets the traditional concept of the Renaissance as a definitive break from the Middle Ages, arguing this division is a relatively recent invention from the 19th century. Le Goff masterfully deconstructs the long-held narrative of a "dark" medieval period giving way to a "luminous" era of modern rationality, urging readers to see a more continuous, complex evolution of thought and culture. He presents a compelling case that our neat historical categories often obscure more than they reveal about the actual flow of human development.

What makes this final work from the renowned historian so distinctive is its profound invitation to rethink the fundamental assumptions of historical study itself. It is not merely a revision of dates but a philosophical inquiry into how we create meaning from time, making it essential reading for students of historiography and anyone curious about the mechanics of historical narrative. Le Goff’s argument for a "Long Middle Ages" extending into what we call the Renaissance encourages a more nuanced appreciation for the gradual, overlapping nature of intellectual and social change. The book ultimately leaves a lasting impact, forcing a reconsideration of how we compartmentalize history and empowering readers to view the past with a more critical and sophisticated eye.