The Micro-historian's Guide to Research, Evidence, & Conclusions

The Micro-Historians 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 volume, paying forward the guidance received from long-ago mentors as well as from 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 authors experience. The aim is to help the new practitioner build a foundation of research skills that leads to evidence-based conclusions. The authors perspective of experience as a disciplined researcher, but also 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-Historians 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!