The Historian's Toolbox

About this book

Written in an engaging and entertaining style this widely-used how-to guide introduces readers to the theory craft and methods of history and provides a series of tools to help them research and understand the past. Part I is a stimulating philosophical introduction to the key elements of history--evidence narrative and judgment--that explores how the study and concepts of history have evolved over the centuries. Part II guides readers through the workshop of history. Unlocking the historians toolbox the chapters here describe the tricks of the trade with concrete examples of how to do history. The tools include documents primary and secondary sources maps arguments bibliographies chronologies and many others. This section also covers professional ethics and controversial issues such as plagiarism historical hoaxes and conspiracy theories. Part III addresses the relevance of the study of history in todays fast-paced world. The chapters here will resonate with a new generation of readers: on everyday history oral history material culture public history event analysis and historical research on the Internet. This Part also includes two new chapters for this edition. "GIS and CSI" examines the use of geographic information systems and the science of forensics in discovering and seeing the patterns of the past. "Too Much Information" treats the issue of information overload glut fatigue and anxiety while giving the reader meaningful signals that can benefit the study and craft of history. A new epilogue for this edition argues for the persistence of history as a useful and critically important way to understand the world despite the information deluge.