Not by Fact Alone

by John Clive

Essays advocate that writers of history have developed their own tricks of the trade in order to be read

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Essays, Writing

334 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1991

About the author

John Clive was an English author and actor.

In 1977, he co-wrote, with J.D. Gilman, the historical novel KG 200, a story about a secret Luftwaffe unit during the Second World War. In the following years he authored The Last Liberator (1980), Barossa (1981), Broken Wings(1983), Ark (1986), co-written with Nicholas Head, and The Lions Cage (1988).

Clive was also known as an actor. He began his career ,at the age of fifteen, on stage in the West End of London. Among the plays he appeared in was Absurd Person Singular, The Wizard of Oz, Under Milk Wood, The Bandwagon, The Winslow Boy, and Life With Father. He also appeared in many films over the spanof his lifetime. Among his film appearances was The Italian Job, Yellow Submarine, The Pink Panther Strikes Again, and A Clockwork Orange. He also appeared in four of the Carry On series of comedy films including; Carry On Abroad,and Carry On Dick.

Reviews

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

A kind of writing workshop report on the great historians. In series of essays, Clive explains what makes famous historians like Gibbon Maccauley not only great scholars but great writers. Along the way, you learn much interesting info about the lives of these writers and the periods they wrote about. This is a book for people who love great writing, regardless of subject or genre. While I'd long had a vague wish to read at least some of Decline and Fall of Roman Empire, it wasn't until I read Clive's description of Gibbon's style and approach to history that I got excited enough to actually pick up once of those massive volumes. I doubt I'll ever finish the whole work, but with Clive as an expert guide, even just reading a section here and there became a real treat. I may not know enough to explain fully why the Roman Empire fell, but I can say with some confidence why Gibbon's massive work is still a joy to read for contemporary audience.

[Stefanie Robinson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I bought this book because I thought it would be a good supplement for my historiography class. It was not. I thought the book was boring, and I hate to say that and give it such a low rating when apparently everyone else thought it was amazing. This is my personal opinion though, so if this is something you are interested in, by all means, check it out. It was well written and contained some interesting facts about famous historians, which was entertaining enough. I just didn't get into it, and I think I misunderstood what it was meant to be about when I bought it, which facilitated my disappointment.

[Jeremy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A masterful collection of essays on the writing and reading of history, with an emphasis on the great 19th ptracticioners - including Gibbons who is really 18th century. Repetitive at times, which is understandable given that it is a collection of essays over several decades. The emphasis, once all the facts have been collected and sifted, is on writing history as a narrative and focussing on transitions. The author's love of history shines through. Throrughly recommended for any historians - especially post-modernists or critical theory pseudo-historians - as a primer on how to write real history as opposed to the contemporary rubbish all too often churned out these days!

[Richard Epstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking at your sets of Gibbon and Macaulay and wondering whether they're worth another go? This will motivate you and remind you that the answer is almost always yes.