Denise Bates

Historical Research Using British Newspapers – Some excellent tips

In recent years more and more people are undertaking some form of historical research, usually so that them may develop their family tree and discover more about the period they were from. In recent times more and more archives are digitising their records and making them available online, some charge others are free.

This wonderful little volume by Denise Bates explains how to use the British Newspaper as an aid to historical research, it may seem rather narrow but there are some excellent tips. While explaining the development of the newspaper industry in Britain along with what is call the news chain and content of older newspapers. She also covers the factors a researcher must take in to an account while researching, which has always been a factor.

For me some of the most interesting chapters were those covering the use of modern technology to aid your research. To those with a history degree these tips on data handling techniques would seem rather basic, but to a layperson I believe are necessary. What is an excellent tip, is the use of spreadsheets for data handling and recording during historical study. Both the good and bad points of using spreadsheets are laid before you for you to make up your own mind.

This is an excellent little volume that will aid both experienced and inexperienced researcher, even though it guides you through using newspapers the techniques in this book are important. An excellent tool for those interested in doing any historical research.… (más)