I appreciate how you classify these types of historical writing without creating a hierarchy of merit. Imagine if a field guide to birds claimed, for example, that birds of prey were more worthy of observation than shorebirds. No thanks. So, cheers for conveying the vitality of each of these ways of approaching historical writing.
What a creative analogy! I suppose there is a hierarchy, though. But that is determined by purpose, and the purposes aren't hierarchical. Raptors are better at hunting; waterfowl at swimming. So when swimming is called for, I'm going with a duck. What is clearer to me today than, say, when I was in graduate school, is that historical writing can serve a variety of purposes. Age offers some perspective here; at least for me. Thanks for reading and commenting, Matt.
What a wonderful look at how history is done, through presenting and commenting on these books. I think a lot about these elements going on in books of history, but more commonly social scientists'monographs. More to say, but another time I trust.
I appreciate how you classify these types of historical writing without creating a hierarchy of merit. Imagine if a field guide to birds claimed, for example, that birds of prey were more worthy of observation than shorebirds. No thanks. So, cheers for conveying the vitality of each of these ways of approaching historical writing.
What a creative analogy! I suppose there is a hierarchy, though. But that is determined by purpose, and the purposes aren't hierarchical. Raptors are better at hunting; waterfowl at swimming. So when swimming is called for, I'm going with a duck. What is clearer to me today than, say, when I was in graduate school, is that historical writing can serve a variety of purposes. Age offers some perspective here; at least for me. Thanks for reading and commenting, Matt.
Nice, thanks.
What a wonderful look at how history is done, through presenting and commenting on these books. I think a lot about these elements going on in books of history, but more commonly social scientists'monographs. More to say, but another time I trust.
Loved these recommendations, Adam, thank you!
Adam, being a genre, category nerd, I really appreciate your breaking it down like this. Cheers, Victoria
I'm glad it worked for you, Victoria. So nice to hear from you here, too.