Description
Book SynopsisInterest in local history just continues to grow. For the professional and amateur alike, in the context of the local experience the past becomes real and immediate, as the stories of individuals, families and communities emerge from our research. And now more than ever, a wealth of primary and secondary source material is within everyone's reach. This invaluable book, written by one of our most eminent and experienced local historians, and now completely updated, provides clear, wise and always practical advice about the process of research and writing. It gives essential guidance on a wide range of key topics, including finding sources; transcribing, analysing and interpreting evidence; writing; historical perspectives and methods; and ways to present and publish the finished product. Using examples and exercises the author guides the reader through the whole process. Written with humour and understanding, and attractively illustrated, this book is an enjoyable and fascinating introduction to the subject, especially useful to those who enjoy local history but wish to write and possibly publish, and to students on local history courses who want authoritative guidance on the preparation of dissertations and theses.
Table of ContentsIllustrations vi Abbreviations vii Glossary ix Preface xiii 1. Choosing a subject: theme, place and time 1 2. The search for sources 35 3. Transcribing 53 4. Analysing and assembling evidence 67 5. Creating an interpretation 79 6. The challenge of writing 85 7. Starting to write 93 8. Producing a final draft 111 9. Publishing 125 10. Recapitulation 137 11. Conclusions: the nature of local history 139 12. Further reading 169 Appendices 1. Published sources 175 2. Transcribing documents 182 3. Historical dating 185 4. Choosing words and framing sentences 186 5. Characteristics of historical language 188 6. Basic rules for referencing 190 7. Extracts of written history 199 Index 206
