Historian's handbook : a key to the study and writing of history

by Wood Gray, William Columbus Davis (Collaborator)

Gray's work is a treasure trove of basic, practical information that has served as an invaluable tool for generations of researchers and writers. One of the most useful handbooks of its kind, this inexpensive paperback is considered by many to be vital reading. The central chapters, which focus on the pursuit of evidence, open up the various library resources, indexes, finding-aids, and bibliographies in a manageable and topical format. Furthermore, the book sets out a topical introduction to the debates on the nature of history and outlines the nuts and bolts of research and writing.

With the collaboration of William Columbus Davis

88 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1964

Reviews

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short handbook teaching one how to study history and how to write a paper.

As the authors point out, a historian ought to search for new evidence and make it available for study. Historians know the past in order to understand the present, ourselves, and the world so we can prepare for the future, holding our conclusions loosely and considering new evidence as it arises to continue learning from history. It was refreshing to be reminded of our goals in study.

Since this book was published in 1959, the sources included and some suggestions are fairly outdated and may not used as much anymore (card filing for sources, anyone? My appreciation for the internet and computer applications has increased exponentially.). However, their methods are still quite valuable for historians today - the book explains how to study history, choose a topic, research, get a quick overview of your sources, and take effective notes. The handbook also provides questions to ask when considering and checking your sources, which is useful in critically examining any information you come across in this world. I appreciated the advice to never take evidence away from its context and to strive for consistent improvement. Their suggested resources for research may be old, but it reminds historians to check all types of sources - newspapers, periodicals, atlases, personal correspondence, interviews, etc.

This book holds many gems and an extraordinary amount of information within its thin pages. Highly recommended for beginning undergraduates or those new to the field to read before classes begin!

[Carol Collins]

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