1st Edition
Historical Research A Guide for Writers of Dissertations, Theses, Articles and Books
This is the first practical guide to cover the various stages of a history research project, from the selection of the topic and the organization and interpretation of source material, through to the completion of the written-up record.Whether it is for a dissertation, thesis article or, indeed, full-length book, Historical Research deals with the purpose of research, and the implications, limitations and benefits of different research methods, as well as the effective presentation of the finished result.
PART 1: THE STUDY OF HISTORY. The nature and value of history. History and the social sciences. History and the natural sciences. PART 2: RESEARCH METHODS. Research tools. Historical sources. Planning a research project. Locating and indexing source material. Evaluating source material. Research notes. Illustrate material.
Research for a higher degree. Publication of article and books. PART 3: STYLISTIC CONVENTIONS. Abbreviations, numbers and punctuation. Typescript format. Footnote and bibliography references. Proofreading. Indexing
Biography
W. H. McDowell is Honorary Research Fellow in the Department of Scottish History, University of Edinburgh
