Book review - a historical snapshot : the handbook of the Order of Saint Lazarus

Abstract

History is not simply just a record of the past. It is alive, vibrant and, above all, ongoing. Though we may not always appreciate it, history is being made and written every day. The accurate recording of events today enables future historians to study and analyse today’s world with hindsight. It generally requires a period of fifty years before any event can truly be considered worthy of historical research and discussion. The reasons for this are various: On one side, sensitive documents relevant to the study of historical events are generally formally released for public reference after a period of fifty years. In addition, it requires at least two generations before events can be reviewed without bias or passion.