“liar, temptress, soldier, spy” by karen abbott
review of the book “liar, temptress, soldier, spy” by karen abbott
Paper details
For our purposes in this class, we have our own limitations. The student must choose a book germane to the subject matter of the course and clear their book choice(s) with the instructor. Each review should be at least five and no more than seven double-spaced, typed pages, with 1-1½ inch margins top, bottom, left, and right. Finally, a complete book review should include the following four, basic units.
1) An Introductory Paragraph
An introductory paragraph does NOT begin, “The book I am reviewing . . . ” If you cannot be brilliant, at least be imaginative. Introduce the reader to the general idea of the book, to its basic premise, to the overall historical picture, and then explain why the author’s “thesis” is either unique, important, or certifiable. (approx. ½ – ? page)
2) A Summary of the Contents of the Book
Time and space permitting–I have given you the space; you must make the time–a good book review includes a quick overview of the contents of the book. This is NOT a book report. I do not want a blow-by-blow description of every character’s hair color or shoe size. Nevertheless, some information in necessary to explain to the reader the importance of what is going on and how it contributes to the development of the author’s “thesis.” (approx. 2 pages)
3) A “Critical Review” of the Author’s “Thesis”
Once again–this is NOT a book report–it is a book review. Thus, a critical appraisal of the author’s ideas is of primary importance. The reviewer must explain to the reader why he-or-she agrees with the author’s premise. Do not write, “I think this is a good book.” Avoid first person. The reviewer should, however, indicate the type of research the author has done in the book being reviewed. The reviewer should also point out other historical studies that disagree or challenge the author’s ideas or any fallacies in logic with might invalidate the author’s thesis. On the other hand, the reviewer should also indicate any new research or new methodology utilized by the author, and thus show agreement and even admiration for the author’s ideas. (approx. 2 pages)
4) Some Background Information on the Author
In almost every instance it is important to know something about the educational and professional background of the author. Is the author a professionally-trained historian, a political scientist, an archeologist, or an amateur historian? These designations do not mean that their work is useless, but it might explain a certain bias in their approach. Some historians are openly Marxist in their study of history. Others follow what is called the “Annalles School”–the study of history by looking at society from the bottom up instead of the top down–by studying the poor rather than kings and generals. Some historians are interested in the development of ideas, while others investigate the growth of institutions. Where does the author of your book fit? Where was he-or-she educated? Where is he-or-she working at the present time? What other books or articles has he-or-she written. What awards, if any, has he-or-she won. This information clarifies the author’s position in the academic community and gives further meaning to the ideas expressed in his-or-her book. (approx. ½ page)
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