The Modern Researcher [Paperback]

Jacques Barzun (Author), Henry F. Graff (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0155625136 | ISBN-13: 978-0155625136 | Publication Date: 1992 | Edition: 5th

This classic introduction to the techniques of research and the art of expression is used widely in historiography courses in many departments other than history. This book thoroughly covers every aspect of research from the selection of a topic, through the methods of finding and verifying data, writing and revising, to preparing a manuscript for publication. It offers invaluable guidance on using all major research sources and effectively reporting the results of research. The Fifth Edition focuses on writing and critical thinking skills. Chapter 4 on sources includes the information on the new library cards and the various databases. Chapter 15 presents new material on techniques of presentation and an expanded discussion of the computer and its uses.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The two authors of this book have had their professional career in history, JACQUES BARZUN in Modern Cultural, HENRY F. GRAFF in American Political and Diplomatic, both at Colombia University. They first collaborated in creating the course in historical method required of all first-year graduate students, and the material for it was and remains the core of The Modern Researcher. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

The two authors of this book have had their professional career in history, JACQUES BARZUN in Modern Cultural, HENRY F. GRAFF in American Political and Diplomatic, both at Colombia University. They first collaborated in creating the course in historical method required of all first-year graduate students, and the material for it was and remains the core of The Modern Researcher. Both scholars have published widely in periodicals of specialist and general interest and each has a list of influential books to his credit. Jacques Barzun’s latest is From Dawn to Decadence: 500 Years of Western Cultural History. A summing up of his lifelong studies, it stayed on the best-seller list for weeks in 2000. Henry Graff’s latest—almost simultaneous—are a third edition of his classic compendium The Presidents: A Reference History and Grover Cleveland, a biography. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Thomson Learning; 5th edition (1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0155625136
• ISBN-13: 978-0155625136
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.6 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #339,731 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good insights but Turabian is better for the mechanics, January 6, 2004

By 

Marc Comtois (Rhode Island, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Modern Researcher (Paperback)

Barzun and Graff offer a guide to writing and research that is much more than a nuts and bolts how-to guide, which is a good thing because Turabian eclipses them on the technical aspects of scholarly writing. What they offer is concise, useful direction on how to effectively research, analyze and write about a topic. Warnings against bias, misinformation and fallacies are given in the first part of the work, Principles and Methods of Research, which is the better half of the book. In general, they instruct the researcher what to look out for and pitfalls to avoid. The second half of the book is concerned with the presentation of your research. Particularly useful is the section on jargon and cliches as well as their emphasis on clarity and liveliness in writing. As has been mentioned, the sections on footnotes, bibliography, manuscript prep, etc. are less helpful. Overall, the work, when taken in its entirety, is full of wisdom and insight.

31 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars How to be a Competent Intellectual, June 3, 2000

By 

thersities (Christchurch New Zealand) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Modern Researcher (Paperback)

If there ever was a book that teaches you how to be a scholar in 600 pages or less, this is it. Very clearly written. And Barzun has proven many times that he has a fine mind and good judgement. Hence this book violates the witticism "Those who can't do, teach." Every serious university student of humanities or social theory should read this book carefully.

28 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An inspiring and heartening book for researchers., July 11, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Modern Researcher (Paperback)

I read this book (cover to cover) in the midst of Master's thesis work. The authors' words often reassured and heartened me. I appreciated their sensitivity and thoroughness. On several projects since, I've wished I had a copy at hand. I look forward to the 2002 edition to include much more about computerized research considerations.