The Micro-Historian's Guide
to Research, Evidence, & Conclusions
The Micro-Historian's Guide
to Research, Evidence,
& Conclusions:
Step-by-Step
Research Planning & Execution
by Reginald W. Bacon
(Newburyport, Mass.:
Variety Arts Press, 2018)
6x9 softcover, 112 pages
ISBN: 978-0-9977528-4-7
LOC: 2018905458
The Micro-Historian's Guide to Research, Evidence, & Conclusions imparts useful guidance to motivated historians, genealogists, special-interest researchers, and local history enthusiasts. As long-buried sources become available via the internet, more regular folks without a Ph.D. in history are joining the fun of information-gathering and shining new light on under-explored history --- yet often with no foundation of method. The author answers the call with this concise volume, "paying forward" the guidance received by long-ago mentors as well as by present-day historians and archivists. Topics include research planning & execution, evaluation of evidence, formulation of conclusions, and the crafting of a summary narrative. Each topic is enriched by practical examples from the author's experience. The aim is to help the new practitioner build a foundation of research skills that leads to evidence-based conclusions.
The author's perspective of experience --- as a disciplined researcher, but with roots as a no-nonsense old-school newspaper reporter --- occasionally prompts a mild tease of the buttoned-down genealogy proof standard, or conversely, a deflating poke at flabby interpretation ... and moribund academic writing ... wherever it may fester.
The Micro-Historian's Guide to Research, Evidence, & Conclusions draws theory from dozens of history, genealogy, historiography, and research giants through the ages. The book also pays tribute to that long-ago cigar-chomping newspaper editor who admonished a young reporter: "Yer mother sez she loves ya'? You still gotta check it out!"
In late 2019 The Micro-Historian's Guide to Research, Evidence, & Conclusions was re-published for global and e-book distribution by Rowman & Littlefield, the leading publisher of academic and professional books in the fields of museum studies and public history. The new edition --- unchanged from the Variety Arts Press edition --- may be purchased directly from the publisher's website: www.Rowman.com. The book is now in use at more than 50 colleges worldwide.
Order your "collector's item" below and save $: A limited number of the Variety Arts Press first printing remain avalable. (If you already have a copy, you've got a "collector's item"!)
A selection of reviews:
"This small but no nonsense book packs a wallop in the information shared. Bacon shows the reader how to progress through the often daunting path of planning and executing a research project. While targeted at historians --- from professional to local --- the advice rings true for other fields as well. Bacon's style often uses humor but drives home the serious nature of good research coupled with critical thinking. His "take nothing for granted" approach is refreshing and extremely good advice. I'd like to see this book used by all my students as well as any friends who are budding historians or genealogists. It is one of the most accessible books I have read." --- Katherine Burton Jones, Director, Museum Studies Graduate Program, Harvard Extension School
"This layman's guide to the principles and practices of microhistory research instructs the non-professional researcher in the most efficient, effective strategies for converting historical evidence and analysis into a coherent microhistory narrative." --- Patricia Peknik, Associate Professor of American History, Berklee College of Music
"Reg Bacon's book is filled with practical knowledge and excellent examples that will help anyone, including local historians, students, and genealogists, undertake historical research. He explains, in a straightforward easy-to-understand manner, the process that anyone doing historical research should follow, from planning and execution through to formulating a conclusion. This compact-but-comprehensive book also includes useful charts and forms that clarify the research process. He brings years of background in historical research, sharing practical advice, including how to avoid pitfalls, all with great wit and humor." --- Kenneth C. Turino, Manager of Community Partnerships and Resource Development, Historic New England
"Mr. Bacon walks the reader through the research process from start to finish with clear instructions, helpful charts and diagrams, and examples, with humorous observations sprinkled throughout." --- Amanda Nelson, Attorney and Independent Museum Professional
"This book fills the need of a diverse constituency of academics, professionals, and do-gooders who are united in their attempts to make sense of the past. Its approachability, clarity, and brevity can all but guarantee successful outcomes." --- Kenneth Jacobs, Ph.D., Architectural Historian
Order your "collector's item" below and save $: As noted above, this book has been re-published for global and e-book distribution by Rowman & Littlefield (www.Rowman.com). A limited number of the Variety Arts Press first printing remain avalable. (If you already have a copy, you've got a "collectors item"!)
$16.00 (US) includes book-rate shipping in the U.S.
(Inquire for additional international shipping cost.)
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Variety Arts Enterprises, P.O. Box 489, Newburyport, MA 01950.
