Essaying the Past: How to Read, Write, and Think about History

by Jim Cullen

Part research manual, part study guide, and part introduction to the study of history, Essaying the Past guides the reader through the nuts and bolts of producing good historical prose, offering key strategies and useful tips.

Genres: History, Writing, Nonfiction, School

216 pages, Paperback

First published February 4, 2009

Reviews

[TK421 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent source for helping the budding scholar begin the researching, thinking, and writing process concerning history (or any subject, really). It is also quite helpful for the professor (like me!) who wants to make this process as smooth and encouraging as possible to all students.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Undergraduate-level investigation/intro to thinking about history. Not bad, but tries too hard to be "hip" in lots of places-- I don't particularly need references to "Kanye" or "Averil Lavigne" throughout. I know that this is marketed to students younger than I am, but this kind of pandering is lame and ineffective-- and I don't agree that conflating Lavigne with Joni Mitchell and Alanis Morissette is anywhere near an accurate comparison.

[I Read, Therefore I Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jim Cullen has a PhD in American Studies, taught at Harvard University and Sarah Lawrence College is now a teacher at Greenwich Country Day School in Connecticut. Aimed at history students, this excellent book clearly sets out broad essay writing techniques that can be used by students of any humanity or anyone in work who needs to write for their job. Clearly written and easy to follow, it contains lots of examples to illustrate its points.

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful and well-written guide for writing

[Danielle Williamson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful little read for essay writing when pertaining to history. A good addition to high school or undergrad curriculum, and a good refresher for grad students.

[shamaya]

Had to read for an MA

[Destiney Linker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can't believe I'm reading this book for a master's program, but, oh well, there it is. It was one of two books I have to read over the summer for a colloquium on US History I'm taking in the Fall. Overall, I can see how it would be effective for a undergraduate History survey course, but if you're a Master's student, you should already know how to write an essay. But, it did remind me of the essentials that I have forgotten in my late-night procrastination marathons.

[Jenifer Rosenberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written in a tone that was obviously intending to be conversational and engaging, this textbook came across as condescending. The author managed to convey an air of "Hey, little kids! Is your mommy home?" throughout. Although some of the information was helpful, the unprofessionally casual way in which the text was written was incredibly off-putting. Sympathies to anyone who has been assigned this text for a class.

[Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent resource for history students. It's easy-to-read and has lots of great advice.