Going to the Sources: A Guide to Historical Research and Writing

Rating:
Summary: A Fine Introduction to Historical Research
Review: Anthony Brundage's book is a well-written, easy to understand introduction to the often confusing world of historical research.

Though the volume is a slim one, he introduces the reader to all the basics, including the history of the study of history, the different types of historical sources and how and where to find them, the challenges of writing the historiographical essay, note taking, and writing an essay.

This second editon also features tips for using the World Wide Web as a source, something more and more people are doing these days.

Though primarily aimed at students of history, it is a welcome addition to the bookshelf of anyone interested in studying history or conducting historical research. The Appendices and Suggestions for Further Reading are an added bonus.

Rating:
Summary: Everything you should have learned about libraries...
Review: The chapter on how to use a library is worth the ten bucks all on its own. It is exactly the kind of overview of research materials and their use that librarians give when someone bothers to ask! Overall, the book is simple, straightforward, and USEFUL. Everything you need to know and nothing you don't when it comes to writing history papers. The couple of hours it will take you to read this book will pay off in the depth and quality of your paper, if you follow Brundage's research advice. This is THE book to buy if you have never written a research paper and have never been inside your campus library before. It is written for history majors, but there are only two chapters that other disciplines would want to skip. Most of the book is helpful to anyone who wants to learn something from their assignment -- not just get it done.