"The conversations which are enclosed took place over the weekend of January 10-11, 1992, and represent the contributions of members of the School of Historical Studies to a gathering of Trustees, Friends of the Institute, and invited guests. No particular format had been imposed; each speaker chose his own manner of presentation. Nor are all professors represented..." ... "they gave, to those who attended, an unusual insight into the framework within which history is pursued and practiced at the Institute, an insight whose value was considered worth sharing with a larger audience."--Preface.