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

The second edition of Essaying the Past features a variety of updates and enhancements to further its standing as an indispensible resource to all aspects of researching and writing historical essays. Includes expert advice on writing about history, conducting good research, and learning how to think analytically Includes a new chapter addressing common situations that represent steps in the transition from a rough first draft to a final version Covers important topics such as framing questions, developing a strong introduction and topic sentences, choosing good evidence, and the crucial role of revision Includes an annotated case study that takes the reader through one student's process of writing an essay, illustrating how strategies in the text can be successfully implemented New edition features updates to cultural references, a newly written preface, and reorganized table of contents

Jim Cullen teaches history at the Ethical Culture Fieldston School in New York City. A former Preceptor in the Expositor)' Writing Program at Harvard University, he is the author of a dozen books, including The American Dream: A Shot t History of ah idea that Shaped a Nation (2003) and the forthcoming Sensing (lie Past Hollywood Stars and Historical Visions.