Narrative History: To Read or Not to Read?

Do you read narrative history?  I’m talking about books like Eric Jager’s The Last Duel: A True Story of Crime, Scandal, and Trial by Combat in Medieval France or Leslie Carroll’s Royal Affairs: A Lusty Romp Through the Extramarital Adeventures That Rocked the British Monarchy or Jon Meacham’s American Gospel: God, The Founding Fathers, and the Making of a Nation. When it comes to history, I appreciate a heavily-footnoted scholarly treatment as much as the next academic, but I find narrative history more appealing.  I think it’s partly the confidence these books bestow — in reading them, you learn enough about the subject to discuss it intelligently, even if you wouldn’t presume to present a conference paper on it — and also partly it’s the sheer enjoyment of reading a true story as well-told as a good novel.

I’m considering a book project of this nature, so your input would be much appreciated at this stage.  Do you read narrative history?  How often, relative to other genres?  What do you like or not like about it?  Do you have favorite periods (Colonial America), dynasties (Tudors), regions (Japan)?  What’s more important to you: compelling story or careful source citation?  How important is the cover art, the title length, or the author’s pedigree?  Do you have a favorite author in this genre?

Do tell—and thanks!

02. March 2010 by Mindy
Categories: My writing, Your turn | 6 comments

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