We would be wasting our time looking for a historical explanation of why circle-squaring or alchemy never succeeded.

With a primary interest in foreign policy, he emphasised the importance in historical explanation of deliberate decision-making and ideology rather than impersonal forces.

And the timidity with which he approached this long overdue measure has a historical explanation.

Alternately, the work's value may have accrued because a gifted, original and mature mind made its way onto the level of secular historical explanation.

To be successful, an exhibit must create an effective balance between visual interest and historical explanation, while still not being too overdone.