DOC From Reliable Sources: An Introduction to Historical Methods by Martha C. Howell; Walter Prevenier in History

Review

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. It's a good introductionBy Gregory B. WelchIt was a good introduction; and that was what I was looking for; but I really could have used a more advanced book. I have done grad school work in sociology; so much of what was covered was old hat. But if you had no background in any sort of social science; this would be fine. It would actually be nice to give at least part of this as an assignment in an advanced high school history course; to give students a better understanding of what they are getting when they read history: an informed argument.6 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Amatuers playing at being professionalsBy David PappasWhile Howell and Prevenier my be experts in their respective narrow fields of study; namely various aspects of the Low Countries; but when it comes to explicating the skills of historical methodologies to the nascent historian they don't have a clue. The book is written in a confusing and cumbersome style which often overshadows the main criteria they are attempting to explain. Further confusing the issue there is very little in the way of elucidating examples or evidence to back up their presentation of criteria. For example the typology breakdown offered as a mainstay in historical research may be founded on the development of historical research; but they do not say so; in fact the typologies as presented to the amateur audience appear to be little more than random elements of much more sophisticated typology tools that are available. Same thing with their rendering of source evaluation criteria. The common CRAAP test is easier to understand and much more comprehensive in scope. They simply fail to explain in any cogent manner why the various criteria and skills they present are the ones to use for the historian. There are a few hidden gems in here but the reader has to slog through a lot of poor writing to spot them. The best part is - it is a slim volume.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A Keeper !By jane the readerLoved this required reading for history graduate school. a Keeper !