Pursuit of History: Aims, Methods and New Directions in the Study of Modern History, Revised Third Edition

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Tosh explains an often obtuse topic well

Pursuit of History: Aims, Methods and New Directions in the Study of Modern History, Revised Third Edition
John Tosh
Manufacturer: Longman
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Historiography | Historical Study | History | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0582772540

Book Description

This is a revised third edition of the best-selling introduction to the practice of history. Since first publication in 1990, John Tosh's groundbreaking guide to the study of history has helped readers find their way around difficult and sometimes controversial topics. Noted for its clarity, breadth and even-handedness, regular revision of the text has ensured it remains completely up-to-date. Clearly structured throughout to lead the reader progressively through the issues, the book's judicious, non-polemical approach makes it a reliable and trusted resource. For readers interested in historiography.

Customer Reviews:

Tosh explains an often obtuse topic well.......2004-01-07

Early in his book, Tosh explains that "[h]ow the past is known and how it is applied to present need are open to widely varying approaches." 'Pursuit of History' is a solid effort by Tosh to trace the origins of historical study and the methodologies that have evolved over time. He explains the difference between popular history and academic history and explains the importance of the latter. The first half of the book is dedicated to showing how historians should properly do their work, including how to find and use sources as well as how to write and interpret historical findings. All are well covered. The second half of the book is much more philisophical in tone. Tosh tackles a number of questions relating to objectivity, true knowledge and the reliability of so-called facts. Simply put, he describes the battle between those who believe history is a cumulative discipline and those who view it ass a relative and interpretive excercise as well as all of those with positions in between. Most importantly, he defends the discipline's viability and importance against those who attack it, including the postmodernists (though he doesn't dismiss all of the postmodernist contributions to the field). His notes and references are plentiful and he is fair with each of the "schools" of history.

Customer Reviews:

Great history!.......2007-08-20

I found out more about Scotland's history in this book than I ever have in history classes. It was captivating and I was deeply engrossed in the history as I read. The only reason I don't give this a 5 star rating is because I could have done without the modern day portions of the book.

Addictive.......2006-08-29

This is the first book of it's size I've managed to read through in over 20 years. Having recently visited some of the places in the book, such as Iona, I was captivated by the book.
It's well written, easy reading, accurate in most of it's facts, absolutely inspiring.
My only negative comment is about a pro-catholic bias of some characters such as Columcile, who was portayed as catholic while he was not, and the glowing account of Queen Margaret who in fact did enormous harm to the Celtic church.
Still worth reading!

A Most Pleasant Introduction to Scottish History 101.......2003-08-17

Being of Scottish descent, I was thrilled to find a novel which provided the meat of historical fact in such a palatable format. Anyone who saw Braveheart and wants to know more about the endless struggle for Scottish independence from England will be rewarded with total understanding by reading this book. Don't be put off by its length... it is very easy reading. Crow makes the characters come alive, and you find yourself engrossed and involved in their lives as history unfolds before you. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has any interest in exploring their ancestry and the heritage of faithful Scots.

Totally engrossing!.......2000-01-18

I want to go to Scotland! The Fields of Bannockburn was totally engrossing. I was caught up in the book, by its history and its geography. I just had to know where all these places were! I'd read for a while, and then a placename would send me to the Scotland sections of Nicholson's Guide to Great Britain. The storyteller, Hamish, as the vehicle for the history of Scotland, was very believable as were the other characters. I had no trouble relating to Mary's quandry between her fiance back home in the States and Gareth in Scotland; it could have been me. Were I still teaching Language Arts in junior high school, I would and could recommend this book to that grade level. It would be a great adjunct to history, reading, and creative writing. What discussions one could have! What dreams of travel it could inspire: it would make one want to see the historic sites. My travel plans definitely will be guided by this book. Give it a try-you might want to go to Scotland, too.

Historical Fiction Above and Beyond.......2000-01-16

This book goes well beyond your average historical fiction. Donna Fletcher Crow splendidly links four pieces of Scotland's history with a modern day line. Be sure to follow up on the modern day characters when they go to Ireland in The Banks of the Boyne.

Bannockburn 1314: Robert Bruce's great victory (Campaign)

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An Excellent Campaign Summary

Bannockburn 1314: Robert Bruce's great victory (Campaign)
Peter Armstrong
Manufacturer: Osprey Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Ancient | History | Subjects | Books

General | Europe | History | Subjects | Books

Scotland | Europe | History | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1855326094
Release Date: 2002-03-25

Book Description

Bannockburn was the climax of the career of King Robert the Bruce. In 1307 King Edward I of England, 'The Hammer of the Scots' and nemesis of William Wallace, died and his son, Edward II, was not from the same mould. Idle and apathetic, he allowed the Scots the chance to recover from the grievous punishment inflicted upon them. By 1314 Bruce had captured every major English-held castle bar Stirling and Edward II took an army north to subdue the Scots. Pete Armstrong's account of this pivotal campaign culminates at the decisive battle of Bannockburn that finally won Scotland her independence.

Customer Reviews:

An Excellent Campaign Summary.......2002-05-13

Pete Armstrong, a British artist and model-builder, has written an excellent campaign summary of Scotland's greatest military victory, the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. Although some of the exact details of this famous battle remain open to debate, Armstrong does a fair job in presenting a balanced campaign narrative that incorporates different viewpoints. Bannockburn is also enhanced by excellent artwork and maps, which help to bring the battle into sharp focus. All in all, this is one of the better Osprey Campaign series titles.

In accordance with standard Osprey Campaign series format, Bannockburn 1314 begins with short sections on the origins of the campaign (8 pages), a campaign chronology, opposing commanders, opposing armies and opposing plans. The section on armies details the infantry and cavalry formations of both sides and the author stresses that while the English had superior cavalry, their failure to employ combined arms tactics utilizing both infantry and cavalry was a fundamental flaw in their numerically superior army. Certainly combined arms tactics are sound advice in any period, but while the author points out the English failure in this regard, he fails to point out how the Scottish were any different. If the English were overly reliant on their cavalry, the Scots were certainly overly reliant on spear-armed infantry. The Scots had no answer to the English superior quality and quantity in archers, and this had led to the defeat at Falkirk 16 years before. The section on plans notes that the English King Edward II was well provided with intelligence about the enemy as well as supplies, but had no real plan of campaign other than to relieve the siege of Stirling Castle. Edward's lack of combat experience and his assumption that the Scots would disperse in the face of a major English invasion are cited as primary causes of his negligent planning. Again, while the author's assessment of deficient English planning appears correct, it is hard to see that the Scottish King Robert the Bruce had any serious plan of campaign either. Until the second day of battle, the Scots kept their options open to fight or flee and their victory was the result of opportunity, rather than planning.

The campaign narrative itself is 38 pages long and is enhanced by five 2-D maps (Scotland in 1314, Edward II's invasion, the flight of the English army, Scottish raids in northern England, Bannockburn then and now) and three 3-D "Birds Eye View" maps (the fighting on 23 June 1314, the Scottish attack and the collapse of the English army). There are also three excellent battle scenes: the encounter between Robert the Bruce and Henry de Bohun, the attack of the Earl of Gloucester's cavalry on a Scottish schiltron and Edward II's flight). A somewhat longer than usual 20-page section on the battle's aftermath covers casualties, reasons for the English defeat, results of the battle, the continuation of the English-Scot war and changes in military tactics because of the battle. Indeed, the author should be applauded for finding space for some analysis of the battle. Essentially, the author blames most of the defeat upon Edward II's atrocious lack of leadership and faulty decisions, which was certainly a key ingredient in the disaster. Coupled to Edward's poor leadership, Robert the Bruce's ability to boldly seize opportunity presented by English indecision and confusion resulted in a successful Scottish counterattack on the second day. Rather than merely blaming one individual, I think it might be fairer to say that English arrogance was to blame for the defeat, since this same kind of arrogance figured in other battles where professional English armies opposed irregulars (e.g. the American Revolution, the Zulus, the Boers). Inexperienced as he was, Edward II probably would have entered battle more cautiously if opposing a professional continental foe like the French or Spanish. The author does conclude that the English eventually learned at great cost to deal with Scottish tactics and that they put this to good use against the French in the Hundred Years War.

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A fresh look at a Scottish heritage event

The Battle of Bannockburn 1314
Aryeh S. Nusbacher
Manufacturer: Tempus Pub Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Irish | Ethnic & National | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
General | Historical | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
General | Europe | History | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0752423266

Customer Reviews:

A fresh look at a Scottish heritage event.......2001-08-18

The Battle of Bannockburn has had a major impact on the Scottish psyche, to the point where it forms the basis of the unofficial national anthem "Flower of Scotland". After all, a Scottish guerrilla army of 5,000 foot and a small force of cavalry defeated an English army of 15,000 foot and 2,500 cavalry.

Nusbacher's very readable account takes a fresh look at the events preceding and during the battle, and presents some re-interpretations of how events unfolded. The backgrounds of the main protagonists, Scotland's King Robert the Bruce and England's Edward II, along with that of their supporters, are clearly outlined. He describes the military equipment available to each side and explains the logistical issues faced by each of them. Getting a large mediaeval army from England to Scotland was quite an exercise!

The book is well illustrated, including a number of maps. However, relating the explanations to the maps was more difficult than it should have been and I feel that one good clear map of the battle area would have served better.

Book Description

Recent scholarship has illuminated one of the most exciting battles of Scottish history, showing it to be as historically significant as it was romantic and bloody. This book carries the reader through the politics and plans of a military campaign of the Middle Ages. Using recent studies on weapons, warfare, and Scottish history, as well as sound archival sources, this book opens the files on a year's preparation for a massive English invasion of Scotland. In addition to the heroic legends, Bannockburn 1314 examines the common soldiers summoned to war and the knights who fought near them.

Bannockburn: A soldier's appreciation of the battle

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Bannockburn: A soldier's appreciation of the battle
Philip Christison
Manufacturer: National Trust for Scotland
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Scotland | Europe | History | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0007KEVDA

A HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF BANNOCKBURN FOUGHT A.D. 1314 WITH NOTICES OF THE PRINCIPAL WARRIORS WHO ENGAGED IN THAT CONFLICT

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A HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF BANNOCKBURN FOUGHT A.D. 1314 WITH NOTICES OF THE PRINCIPAL WARRIORS WHO ENGAGED IN THAT CONFLICT
Robert White
Manufacturer: Edinburgh: Edmonston and Douglas, 1871
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000M1GCPO

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The Bannockburn myth,
W. M Mackenzie
Manufacturer: Grant & Murray
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0008ABL6E

Bannockburn: A poem, which obtained the Chancellor's Medal at the Cambridge commencement, 1839

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Bannockburn: A poem, which obtained the Chancellor's Medal at the Cambridge commencement, 1839
Charles Sangster
Manufacturer: s.n
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0008BKTNY

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Bannockburn: The story of the Battle
Philip Christison
Manufacturer: National Trust for Scotland
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0007JVB8E

Customer Reviews:

Conspiracy theories or not?.......2005-08-13

After having done my own research in many of these topics, I was surprised to run across this book which lists so many in one place, plus many others I was not aware of. Excellent research material and many footnotes and references provided to continue researching these topics. When you look at the reasons behind agendas, these conspiracy theories shed light on the why's. Very interesting about the Smithsonian. Anyone who has looked into politics will understand why these subjects should be looked into, rather than just swallow what the media tells us. There are sheep and there are wolves, many people prefer to be sheep and live life with eyes closed. It's more comfortable that way. Eisen shows us things, with doing our own research, that others don't want to see. Excellent book!

Good Case.......2003-07-25

Jonathan Eisen makes a convincing case that cures for cancer and alternative energy devices are being suppressed. I had professors in engineering college tell stories of people who had been killed for creating super efficient carburetors or former students who had been paid off to stop producing solar energy devices. Well Eisen has put a bunch of these stories together. He even has a whole chapter on alternative carburetors. What I like about the book is that he gives lots of foot notes and references including patents. I don't believe everything he says but with the references I am free to check his sources my self. I think the people on Mars and the moon landing being faked are a little far fetched but he does construct a convincing argument.
onathan Eisen makes a convining case that cures for cancer and
alternative energy devices are being suppressed. I had

Good Book.......2003-01-03

Definetly a must read, if youre a conspiracy believer like me! Eisen covers suppressed cures for Cancer and a very good review of Tesla, a faorgotten and uncredited Scientist. I dont quite agree with the moon landing story, but Definetly worth the read and Money!

My only question: how did he get it published?.......2002-07-25

I confess immediately to being a conspiracy believer: whenever people say I'm mad for believing the strange theories that people present, I always am reminded of the old saying, "Where there's smoke there's fire" and the ski's full of billowing smoke after reading Eisen's book!
Suppressed Inventions is one of those books that you can easily read and put down and then go back to weeks later because each chapter can be read alone-it is only the totality of all that he writes that leaves you looking for a very stiff drink after you finally put his book down.
I do not have a scientific mind and found the going in several of his chapters reasonably hard; however, this comment is in no way meant to steer any prospective readers away from this extraordinarily rich mine of very necessary material for anybody who would like to keep their fingure on the pulse of the new millennium.
Of the many lights that Eisen has switched on in this remarkable book perhaps the most astounding is chapter 27-"Did NASA Sabotage Its Own Space Capsule?" Aftert reading it I admit to being skeptical-I mean to believe that Grissom, White and Chaffee were murdered by NASA meant that there was no moon landing and that the whole Appollo 11 thing was staged on a secret base in Nevada-whoa!
I was skeptical until two weeks ago when I watched a prime-time TV doco about the theory held by many people that the moon landings were phoney. It's not beyond the realm of possibility that just because the US government says the whole theory is laughable doesn't meam that it's laughable.
My sggestion-buy the book and draw your own conclusions. Even if you think it's all rubbish then at the very least you are left with a compendium of many of the current theories about the truth of what we're allowed to know.

For hard-core conspiracy theorists only.......2000-05-31

It's hard to put much faith in book that begins with an introduction that talks about an inventor who came up with a way to make any car with a gasoline engine run on water and get 100 miles per gallon. Unfortunately, after progress in developing his invention was "mysteriously halted," his formula died with him. Also tough to swallow is the claim on pages 146-149 that a certain Gaston Naessens discovered "the world's smallest living organism," an organism "revealed to be virtually indestructible," an organism so hard that it is "impossible to cut with a diamond knife." Unfortunately, as in the cold fusion delusion a few years back, Naessens's claim has gone unsubstantiated.

Far be it from me to spoil anyone's fun, but when people start presenting phony cancer cures, as is done in this book in the section dealing with "suppressed" medical therapies, I tend to take it personally. Cancer is hellish enough without having to spend your last few precious hours (and dollars) wading through a forest of fake cures. The really terrible thing about this book is the fact that there is a very real danger that the big drug companies and the AMA might very well be overlooking and denigrating valid therapies, but we're not going to find out about them from a book that claims, for example, that NASA is suppressing telescopic evidence of canals and a flourishing plant life on Mars (pp. 382-396).

The problem for the layman has always been how to separate the truth from the paranoid delusions of conspiracy theorists or the apocryphal experience of a few people. This book, a cockeyed collection of fantastic conspiracy theories, I am sorry to report, does not help.

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Suppressed Inventions and How They Work
Brown
Manufacturer: Desert Pubns
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 087947307X

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Suppressed and Incredible Inventions
John Freeman
Manufacturer: Health Research
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General & Reference | Technology | Science | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0787310913

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Amazing Homework Machines and Other Suppressed Inventions
Chris Winn
Manufacturer: Beaufort Books, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0825301068

Book Description

Documents and describes the Menominee Indians' tribal practice of sustainable environmental development.

Sustaining the Forest, the People, and the Spirit tells the story of the Menominee Indian Tribe and how they have sustained their 230,000 acre forest in ways that have enhanced, rather than degraded, the environment in the face of development pressures. Through a careful look at Menominee history, politics, institutions, economy, culture, spirituality, science, and technology, Thomas Davis provides insight into how this case study of sustainable environmental development can offer a rough road map for other communities to follow.

Customer Reviews:

Superb writing, but missing modern essentials.......2006-09-14

I bought this book in hopes that it would show a pathway to sustainable forestry in the ultimate sense. Unfortunately any forestry is basic and consists more of ecological descriptions of the various forest types.
However, as I was reading the book, I was drawn into the story line. The detailed history of the Menominee, including specific individuals was captivating. And ultimately through many trials and tribulations shows how the spirt of these "forest people" won out over the Manifest Destiny forces that pillaged the forest of other Native tribes.
It is a great resource to show, not a pathway to sustainable forest, but rather a pathway of greater resistence to outside forces. Perhaps it holds a lesson for other third world countries combating western ways in the modern world.

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