Tips for purchasing history books.

I love purchasing books on different historical topics. There is something so satisfying about glancing over at a bookshelf filled with varied and diverse volumes about all things historical, from mythology and ancient civilisations to more specialised topics such as the history of a town or place. Hundreds of years of knowledge, all on one shelf.

But how do you know which books to purchase? Here are some tips to help you decide:

1.Research the author.

Just because someone doesn't have formal/university qualifications doesn't mean they aren't just as knowledgeable as someone who does. Experience and care is what counts. However, some people do write books about topics they are not experienced in, and it pays in the long run to spend a little time doing some research on the author of the book/s you are considering. In Australia at least, history and non-fiction books tend to be more expensive than fiction, so this small investment of time is better than spending a lot of money on a book that may not be factually accurate. I usually read the author's bio on the product page, then google their name to learn about their experience/knowledge. I also like to read reviews of the book written by other people who are experienced in that field. 

Researching the authorship of a book is especially important if you are purchasing a book on an Indigenous community. Historically and currently, Indigenous communities are frequently not consulted in the telling of their own stories, which is why it is so important to read works written by or in conjunction with people from the cultures/communities you are interested in.

2. How recently has the book been published?

It's easy to think that history never changes. That's true, but our knowledge of it does. New discoveries, revelations, and revaluations about the past are happening every day, reshaping our understanding of the world's history. This is why I try to purchase history books that are no more than 10-25 years old, although some older works are still very relevant. If you are unsure whether an older work is worth purchasing, do some research to see whether the author's arguments/opinions have been disproven or not, or whether their work has undergone revaluations. Its also important to purchase the most recent edition of a history book, as they usually contain important updates or new information. 

If I know the topic I am interested in has recently had a lot of new discoveries, I read as many new articles as I can and hold off on purchasing a book until there is a newer or updated publication. If there is a topic, especially one that has gotten a lot of media attention, someone will write a book about it! 

3. Find recommendations by other experts in the field.

Are there people you know or follow who have experience in a particular topic? Have a look at their website or social media accounts to see if they recommend any books, articles or documentaries about the subject you are interested in. Additionally, as I alluded to above, look for book reviews in academic journals - these usually give a good overview of a book’s content and its strengths and weaknesses.

I hope these tips have helped. 

Best wishes,

Liliana