From Reliable Sources: An Introduction to Historical Methods by Martha Howell & Walter Prevenier

I think the title tells you all you need to know; it's an introduction to historical methods. Basically, the authors talk about all the pieces needed for a historical work to be a valuable and reliable addition to the literature.

I guess this is as good of a time as any to say that I will not be posting nearly as frequently for the next couple of months. Instead of reading as much history this semester, I will be writing history. Frankly, the thought of doing this research seminar fills me with a throbbing sense of anxiety, but at least I anticipate that I will learn a heck of a lot. It's a trade off really.

Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott

“Because for some of us, books are as important as almost anything else on earth. What a miracle it is that out of these small, flat, rigid squares of paper unfolds world after world after world, worlds that sing to you, comfort and quiet or excite you. Books help us understand who we are and how we are to behave. They show us what community and friendship mean; they show us how to live and die.”

I love the way Anne Lamott writes, so reading about how she writes seemed like a no brainer. Even though the type of writing we do is vastly different (my "characters" are not composites--historical writing does not lean that way), her take on the way writing sucks but is rewarding at the same time is damned true and good to hear from somebody else. Thanks to my dad for letting me read his Christmas present (from me) before he got a chance to. (All I'm saying is that I gave it a good five months of shelf time before I picked it up...)