Narrative History: To Read or Not to Read?
Do you read narrative history? Â 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. Â 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. Â Do you read narrative history? Â How often, relative to other genres? Â What do you like or not like about it? Â Do you have favorite periods (Colonial America), dynasties (Tudors), regions (Japan)? Â What’s more important to you: compelling story or careful source citation? Â How important is the cover art, the title length, or the author’s pedigree? Â Do you have a favorite author in this genre?
Do tell—and thanks!
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