Why We Write

by Jim Downs

Why We Write provides a forum for scholars, activists, and novelists to reflect on the ways in which they use their writing and academic work to create social change. This volume uncovers the political agendas, social missions, and personal and professional experiences that compel writers to bring their stories to the page. Why We Write examines the dual commitment of writing articles and books that are committed to high scholarly standards as well as social justice. These essays will be of great interest to college and graduate students who currently lack a model of social justice scholarship.

202 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2005

About the author

Jim Downs is Gilder Lehrman–National Endowment for the Humanities Professor of Civil War Era Studies and History at Gettysburg College. He is the editor of Civil War History and author and editor of six other books, including Sick from Freedom: African-American Illness and Suffering during the Civil War and Reconstruction.

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth it for the Jill Lepore essay alone, there are lots of great contributions to this collection that illuminate the variety of impulses underlying academic writing and serve as important reminders about the myriad reasons scholarship (manifest in writing) is essential.