1. Organization and composition–Use paragraphs, complete sentences, and proper
grammar. Be ruthless in editing. Do not use phrases that lack clarity. Eliminate
a11 first-and second- person pronouns. Do not use any contractions, colloquial
expressions, or clichés. Correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar. Include
strong verbs, active voice, topic sentences, and smooth transition.
2 Make sure the final copy is neat and clean, for it represents you and your
work.
B. Heading–should include author, title, and publication information.
C. Biographical sketch of the author:
1. Overview of the author’s life, including other works he has written, his
qualifications to write the book, and his place in historiography or literature.
2 Consult the preface and/or introduction of the book, biographical dictionaries
and encyclopedias in the library, and the reference librarian if necessary.
D. Summary of the book-A good summary tells what the book does by defining and
describing its contents. Defining means to draw the “boundaries” of the
book–its subject, time, and context. Describing means to tell what the author
has to say about the subject. Provide enough details and examples to assure that
the reader understands the subject of the book and its major points, but do not
summarize in great detail. A reader who wants detail can read the book. Your
responsibility lies in informing the reader of the book’s existence’s subject,
purpose, contents, point of view, and conclusions.
E. Evaluation of the book–should include the following points of discussion but
is not necessarily confined to them:
1. Does the author achieve his purpose as stated in the prefatory material?
2 Does the author evidence biases and prejudices in his purpose and arguments?
Remember to be fair, for we all have biases–readers as well as authors.
3. Did the author do his “homework” in researching the topic as revealed in the
book’s contents, notes, and bibliography? What types of sources were used?
4. What did you gain from reading this book? Did it introduce you to anything
new (information, ideas, or interpretation)? Does it have any particular value
for the contemporary world? For any specific group? For you?
5. Does the book contain any factual errors? Is it logical1y organized (be sure
to be specific)?
6. Is the author’s writing style easy, average or difficult? Remember a book may
be valuable to read even if you found it tedious.
7. What do critics say about the book? Do you agree with their opinions? Be sure
to acknowledge direct quotes or reworded opinions.
8. For whom would you recommend the book? Why?
F. If you are reviewing a novel, the summary should include an overview of the
story line and the principal characters. The evaluation should include an
analysis of the characters (realistic, romantic, typical, or caricatured) and
the believability of the story. It should also relate the novel to the study of
history. Does the novel provide an understanding of the period in which it is
set? Does it provide an understanding of the period in which it was written?
Does it have any particular literary or historical importance?
G. The review should be five double-spaced typed pages in length (approximately
l,000 words). The biographical sketch should be a paragraph to a page long; the
summary should be two to three pages long; and the evaluation should be two
pages long.
