Evidence Explained: Citing History Sources from Artifacts to Cyberspace: 3rd edition

Evidence Explained: Citing History Sources from Artifacts to Cyberspace: 3rd edition

EVIDENCE EXPLAINED is the definitive guide for all who explore history. It is based on one principle: We cannot judge the reliability of any information we find, unless we know exactly where the information came from and the strengths and weaknesses of that source. More than a thousand citation models for U.S. and international sources show us how to cite both original documents and their derivatives—in printed, filmed, and digital formats. <br /> <br />EE guides users through a maze of historical records and artifacts not covered by other citation manuals—from town halls and county courthouses to state and federal government agencies, as well as corporate, church, and private archives. It treats artifacts and memorials in both public venues and personal collections. It demonstrates how to handle the quirks that regularly stump us when we use the relics of past societies. <br /> <br />Beyond citation models, EE helps us understand each type of record and identify each in such detail that we and our readers will know not only “where to go to find our source” but also understand the nature of that source, so that the evidence can be better interpreted and the accuracy of our conclusions can be appraised. <br /> <br />EVIDENCE EXPLAINED differs from other citation manuals in one other key regard. Traditional guides emphasize "output"—the bare essentials needed, at publication, to identify sources while minimizing publication costs. EE focuses upon "input," identifying the information researchers should record in the research stage—not just the basic identification of the source, but all the details essential to textual criticism, thorough analyses, and sound conclusions. <br /> <br />A 4-page QuickStart Guide, tucked into the front flyleaf of this third edition, provides a crash course for new users. <br />