Quote:
Originally Posted by edwest2
Nick,
I strongly disagree. The job of the historian is to give an accurate account, whether about a particular battle or particular tank or aircraft.
Interpretation is not the job of the historian. Any gaps in the information are simply acknowledged. Context should be provided to give the reader, historian or not, the necessary background in which a historical event occurred.
Speculation is not allowed. Or statements like "it appears that," this or that event occurred without supporting documents.
Finally, a bit of writing skill is required so that the material reads smoothly as opposed to being a dry repetition of facts.
When new material is uncovered, especially something unexpected and which calls for a reassessment of what has gone before, then and only then can a revised version of a book, or a new one, appear.
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Excellent post again, Ed.
Your next-to-last paragraph. Looks like my writing skills are down the pan!
Your last paragraph. There will be some 'unexpected's in the second edition of 'Zerstörer' later this year...