Review
Praise for the first edition:
“There’s a level of sophistication in Essaying the Past that is disguised by its utterly clear and engaging style. Jim Cullen tells students just what they need to know to write about the past.”
– Mari Jo Buhle, Brown University
“The ultimate insider’s guide to historical writing, the new gold standard in the field.”
– Kerry Walk, Otis College of Art and Design
Praise for the second edition:
“Newly revised and better than ever, Essaying the Past remains the single most useful resource for history students and instructors in high school and college.”
– Burke Miller, Northern Kentucky University
“Jim Cullen presents a compelling case for the historical essay as a tool of learning and plots the course for success with a rare combination of clarity, sophistication, humor, and easy candor.”
– James E. Wadsworth, Stonehill College
“A clear, concise and engaging guide to the practice of history. Jim Cullen excels in walking students through all the steps of researching and writing a persuasive paper.”
– Carter Jones Meyer, Ramapo College of New Jersey
“In this first-rate book, Jim Cullen delivers a concise and accessible guide to the critical work that historians do: reading, writing, and thinking about history. Students will find it informative and a pleasure to read.”
– Elizabeth Smith-Pryor, Kent State University
“With lucidity, verve, and empathy, Cullen lays the writing process bare, including fumbles, setbacks, and paths not taken. In analyzing the writing of history, he also shows why it matters.”
– Roberta Pergher, The University of Kansas
From the Back Cover
Keeping pace with advancements in the digital age, this new edition of Essaying the Past: How to Read, Write and Think about History features timely updates and enhancements to its indispensible “nuts and bolts” approach to producing well written historical essays. Part research manual, part practical study guide, and part introduction to the study of history itself, Essaying the Past offers concise guidance on all aspects of historical research and writing. Cullen’s popular text maintains its sharp focus on writing fundamentals, including ways to frame questions, develop strong introductions and topic sentences, choose good evidence, and enter the crucial process of revision. A new chapter examines the process of transitioning arguments from rough first draft to a polished final version. Appendices address topical issues such as plagiarism, proper referencing of blogs, and the possibilities and limitations of the Internet. A key resource for all historical writers, Essaying the Past also helps develop the crucial analytical skills that facilitate independent thought—a process that extends beyond history writing and into many areas of life.
About the Author
Jim Cullen teaches history at the Ethical Culture Fieldston School in New York City. Cullen, a former Preceptor in the Expository Writing Program at Harvard University, is the author of several books, including The American Dream: A Short History of an Idea that Shaped a Nation (2003) and the forthcoming, provisionally titled Sensing the Past: Hollywood Actors as Historians.
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