An annotated bibliography is a list of sources that includes a summary and evaluation of each source. It is often used to provide context and background information for a research paper or project. In the field of history, an annotated bibliography can be particularly useful for highlighting the key sources and perspectives on a particular historical event or period.
One example of an annotated bibliography in the field of history is a bibliography on the American Revolution. This bibliography might include primary sources such as letters and documents written by key figures during the Revolutionary War, as well as secondary sources such as scholarly articles and books that provide analysis and interpretation of these primary sources.
Here is an example of an annotated bibliography entry for a primary source:
- Paine, Thomas. "Common Sense." Philadelphia: Printed and Sold by R. Aitken, 1776.
Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" is a key primary source for understanding the ideas and arguments that influenced the American Revolution. Written in 1776, this pamphlet was widely circulated and argued for the need for the colonies to break away from British rule. Paine's use of rhetorical devices and compelling language helped to galvanize support for the Revolution. This source is useful for understanding the political and philosophical arguments that shaped the early years of the Revolutionary War.
Here is an example of an annotated bibliography entry for a secondary source:
- Maier, Pauline. "The Old Revolutionaries: Political Lives in the Age of Samuel Adams." New York: Knopf, 1980.
In "The Old Revolutionaries," Pauline Maier provides a detailed analysis of the political careers of key figures in the American Revolution, including Samuel Adams. Maier's book is based on extensive research in primary sources and provides a nuanced view of the complex political landscape of the time. This source is useful for understanding the motivations and actions of key players in the Revolutionary War, as well as the broader political context in which the war took place.
Overall, an annotated bibliography is a valuable tool for any historian, as it allows for the identification and evaluation of key sources and perspectives on a particular topic. By including both primary and secondary sources, an annotated bibliography provides a well-rounded view of a historical event or period, allowing for a deeper understanding of the past.