From thoughtful pieces on the historian's role to striking insights into America's past and present to trenchant observations on the international ...
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reviews
Aug 16, 2007
Bardi
rated it: 
One of the fun parts of Goodread is finding books that I have not read by authors I like..or in this case love. If you are not a historian and wonder what all the fuss about the subject it, I suggest you read one of her books. If you are a historian than by all means read all of her books and find out how to write about the subject.
Jan 16, 2010
Kent
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This book is divided into three parts: the "craft"--Tuchmann's guidelines for writing history; the "yield"--a collection of short historical pieces that are intended, I suppose, to demonstrate her guidelines; and "learning from history"--a collection of articles and speeches with lessons she has drawn from history.
Of the three sections, the first was the most valuable. Her full length books I think are some of the best examples I've come across of really More...
Of the three sections, the first was the most valuable. Her full length books I think are some of the best examples I've come across of really More...
Feb 13, 2011
Snail in Danger (Sid)
rated it:
I picked up this book at a book sale to fund a scholarship in memory of a professor who died recently. I can't remember if this is one I bought or if this is one that I vultured off the table after they cleared out and left the rest behind. Though if I didn't pay for it, I probably would have if I had seen it - they were only charging a dollar or two for most of the books. I like Barbara Tuchman's work.
Anyway, this collection of essays is incredibly varied. There's one where she urge More...
Anyway, this collection of essays is incredibly varied. There's one where she urge More...
Oct 03, 2007
Margie
rated it: 
I very much enjoyed this book. Tuchman is definitely from a different era, and writes about looking back to more refined language while grappling with issues of whether or not to include vulgarity if it's part of the character of an historical figure. She also writes with the racism that was common to her class and era; she ascribes motivations and worldviews to "the Oriental", for example. It's a bit jarring, but mostly fascinating as an artifact of that era.
The book More...
The book More...
Jun 19, 2011
Susan
rated it:
Essays on the craft of writing history and the nature of being a historian. A fitting climax to the series of wonderful books which have made both the Middle Ages and 20th century history accessible to the literate lay reader and still be of service to the student of history.
Jan 05, 2009
Patrick
rated it:
Several essays are brilliant, plus there is a wide array of subjects. In particular:
How We Entered World War I
Pedicaris Alive or Raisuli Dead
The Final Solution
My first intro to Tuchman and I'll definitely read more.
How We Entered World War I
Pedicaris Alive or Raisuli Dead
The Final Solution
My first intro to Tuchman and I'll definitely read more.
Nov 11, 2011
"A book to celebrate....A delight to read." - New York Times Book Review
Listen to Practicing History on your smartphone.
Listen to Practicing History on your smartphone.
Jan 29, 2012
Terry
rated it:
collection of essays and commentaries on numerous 20th century historical events, many of which I didn't know much about. Therefore, I enjoyed the details! What interested me most was that the author was the daughter of a player in early 20th century politics/events and from an early age she knew many now historic figures. She had access to these players and this intimacy lends credence to her telling of the events.
Feb 14, 2011
Unfortunately, I think this book started with a tedious essay. I can understand why it was put first, but it might have been better saved for the end of the book. About half of the women in book club were put off by it. Those with the good sense to just skip it and read later essays really liked the book and then went back and read it and it was more meaningful.
May 07, 2008
Rae
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Reading this book was a requirement for one of my college history classes. It is probably the finest book written on the craft of history as an art form. I dip into it fairly often. Tuchman was a master historian!
Mar 21, 2008
Leena
rated it:
About the writing of history by one of the best historians of our time. A must-read for anyone who is interested in good writing and accurate, interesting history.
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