Writing history can take an author - and ultimately a reader - on a journey
through time, across the globe and into the lives of others. This book offers
great advice to writers, such as:
- how much research is necessary?
- when should you start writing?
- should you structure your work chronologically or thematically?
- how to you write a compelling narrative?
Perfect for historians of all levels, this book is an indispensible guide to
writing history.
Contents:
Acknowledgements
Introduction: Navigating history in the 21st century
1. Which history to tell?
2. Who is your history for?
3. Crying in the archives
4. History in 3D: Visual, oral and material sources
5. How to avoid writer's block
6. Once upon a time: Beginnings and endings
7. Narrative, plot, action!
8. Styling pasts for presents
9. Character and emotion
10. Footnote fetishism: Quotes and notes
11. Tough love: Editing and revising
Epilogue: The after party - marketing, celebrating and reviews
Notes
Index
Reviews:
'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 advice manual. Refreshing, sensitive, thorough,
here are two wise women who practise what they preach' - Philippa Levine, author
of 'The British Empire: Sunshine to Sunset'
