Co-editors George Severs and Amy Tooth Murphy are inviting expressions of interest to contribute
chapters to the forthcoming Routledge Oral History Theory Handbook. The Handbook will consist of
between 35 and 40 chapters in English which aim to reflect on and advance the field of theory
within oral history. Despite its usefulness and importance, theory remains under-examined and
under-appreciated within oral history. In dialogue with each other, the chapters of the Handbook
will situate and make a case for theory as a crucial and productive component of oral history work,
both within and beyond the academy. Across all stages of the oral history process, from conception
to analysis and dissemination, theory is vital. To that end, the editors invite a wide range of
contributions which centre theoretical frameworks, approaches, developments and provocations.
Theory is a live and dynamic process. As such, contributors to this volume are not expected to make
definitive or ‘final’ pronouncements. Rather we encourage submissions which propose new and
emerging concepts, actively engage with ongoing theoretical developments, and impact future
practice. In doing so, the editors seek to stage work by an international range of authors, including
but not limited to early career and established scholars, oral history practitioners, public historians,
archivists and activists. This volume will be global in scope and the editors encourage submissions
from a wide range of geographic contexts. We particularly encourage submissions from authors
working in the geopolitical south and/or whose work foregrounds theories and questions of
decolonisation and/or indigeneity.
We are seeking chapters of 8000 words. Authors are encouraged to submit abstracts of 250-300
words to the editors via ohtheoryhandbook@gmail.com along with a short biography by January
31st 2026. Authors are reminded that theory should form the core of the proposed chapters. We
appreciate that case studies may feature but these should be used to evidence or inform the
theoretical interventions at the hearts of chapters. The editors will respond with their decisions on
submitted abstracts by the end of February 2026 and first draft chapters will be expected by the end
of December 2026.
To learn more, please see the full Call for Chapters here.