A Pocket Guide to Writing in History (Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Its concise yet comprehensive coverage of every step of the research and writing process--with detailed advice on documenting sources and avoiding plagiarism -- have made A Pocket Guide to Writing in History a best-seller over four editions. For the fifth edition, Mary Lynn Rampolla -- who is active in the fields of both history and composition -- provides more practical help with basic skills and new coverage of more sophisticated critical-thinking skills such as analyzing an assignment, reading critically, and constructing a strong argument. Organizational changes over several chapters make it even easier for students at all levels to find the information they need to succeed in their course, saving instructors valuable class time.

About the Author

MARY LYNN RAMPOLLA (Ph.D., University of Toronto) is associate professor of history at Trinity University in Washington, D.C. Her scholarly work focuses on medieval and early modern Europe, and her publications include articles in Medieval and Renaissance Texts and Studies and entries in the Dictionary of the Middle Ages. She is active in the fields of history and composition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Bedford/St. Martin's; 5th edition (July 17, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 031244673X
• ISBN-13: 978-0312446734
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 4.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #82,103 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #61 in	Books > History > Historical Study > Historiography
  #85 in	Books > Literature & Fiction > Books & Reading > Reference

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well-rounded resource for students., August 10, 2007

By	Joseph Montuori (Hudson River Valley, New York, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

As a high school history teacher, I've created several writing tip sheets and links to writing websites for my students. All of these efforts were intended to help the motivated improve their understanding of good writing as well as their skills in writing.

The Pocket Guide to Writing in History replaces all of my earlier efforts in one handy resource. With an introduction to research, note taking, formulating and supporting points with evidence, citations & bibliographies, it's an excellent guide for advanced high school and college students in writing in-class essays or lengthy, long-term research papers.

The Guide briefly considers the different types of history writing assignments, and offers unique suggestions for preparation and execution for each format. Its primary referencing focus is on the Chicago style of foot/endnotes, the style most widely used in history. Plus, the 5th edition includes more up-to-date citation format examples for internet sources, a big improvement from the 4th edition.

Writing is a key skill in this discipline, but most teachers have little class time in which to teach it. As a stand alone student resource, the Guide is the best option I've found. It could also be used in class for lessons on specific writing skills, or as a supplement to a major research paper assignment. I plan to recommend The Guide to all of my Advanced Placement students this year. Highly recommended.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good manual for footnote and bibliographical help, April 26, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: A Pocket Guide To Writing In History (Paperback)

Whenever I have a history paper due, this book is right there by my side. I've used it for non-history classes as well. It's a handy tool for creating effective footnotes and bibliographies.

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent resource, September 27, 2003

By	Maggie Boleyn (tudortimes.com) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Pocket Guide To Writing In History (Paperback)

Amazingly enough, I don't know Dr. Rampolla, but that won't stop me from adding my praise for this little gem of a book. Clearly and concisely written, this slim guide covers the important aspects of the study of history. From evaluating sources to documenting the sources you've found, it's a marvelous little tool for students. Don't leave home for your next history class without this book.