Description
Book SynopsisDrawn from decades of experience, this is a concise and highly practical guide to writing history. Aimed at all kinds of people who write history academic historians, public historians, professional historians, family historians and students of all levels the book includes a wide range of examples from many genres and styles.
Trade Review'A really excellent book. It is written in a bright, informal style with some hard-and-fast rules balanced with advice, warning and very positive encouragement.' Alan Atkinson, author of The Europeans in Australia
'This witty little volume reveals the tricks and tips of the profession and recounts endearing anecdotes about the authors' own experiences as historians. A delightful read, this is also a seriously good advice manual. Refreshing, sensitive, thorough, here are two wise women who practise what they preach.' Philippa Levine, author of The British Empire: Sunrise to Sunset
'Historians of all kinds, whether scholars, students or commercial authors, all share a wish to maximise their publics: this lively and practical primer will tell them how. Lucid, unpretentious and punchy, it is crammed with sage advice, shrewd criticism and dozens of samples of compelling history writing.' Iain McCalman, author of Darwin's Armada
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments Introduction: Navigating History in the 21st century Which History to Tell? Who is your History for? Crying in the Archives History in 3D: Visual, Oral and Material Sources How to Avoid Writer's Block Once upon a Time: Beginnings and Endings Narrative, Plot, Action! Styling Pasts for Presents Character and Emotion Footnote Fetishism: Quotes and Notes Tough Love: Editing and Revising Epilogue: The After Party Marketing, Celebrating and Reviews Notes Index
