How to write the history that people want to read / Ann Curthoys, Ann McGrath.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Curthoys, Ann.

Contributor:

McGrath, Ann, 1956-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Historiography.

Physical Description:

pages cm

Place of Publication:

Basingstoke : Palgrave Macmillan, 2011.

Summary:

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'

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 a seriously good advice manual. Refreshing, sensitive through, here are two wise women who practice what they preach'.

Historians of all kinds, whether scholars, students or commercial authors, all share a wish to maximise their publics this lively and practical primer will tell them how. Lucid, unpretentious and punchy, it is crammed with sage advice, shrewd criticism and dozens of samples of compelling history writing'.

Writing history can take and 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, suck as

how much research is necessary?

when should you start writing?

should you structure your chronologically or thematically?

how do you write a compelling narrative?

Drawing upon the deep experience of two historians who have written many histories themselves, How to Write that people want to Read explains how to succeed in writing exciting historical narratives .It explores why some historical writing is not so engaging and why some of it is as good as any writing you will ever read.

With many practical tips about how to research and write history in many different genres, Ann Curthoys and Ann McGrath provide moral support and experienced mentoring. Company for all historians involve in the often lonely process of researching and writing. Perfect for historian of all levels, this book is an indispensable guide to writing history. Book jacket.

Contents:

1 Which history to tell? 13

2 Who is your history for? 24

3 Crying in the archives 48

4 History in 3D: Visual, oral and material sources 80

5 How to avoid writer's block 101

6 Once upon a time: Beginnings and endings 117

7 Narrative, plot, action! 140

8 Styling pasts for presents 158

9 Character and emotion 178

10 Footnote fetishism: Quotes and notes 198

11 Tough love: Editing and revising 212.

Notes:

Includes index.

ISBN:

0230290388

9780230290389

OCLC:

663439079

Publisher Number:

99944664875