GDG- Shelby Foote

[Tom Ryan]

<<I can think of no reason that narrative histories are less well
served by including footnotes. In my opinion, Foote wrote a marvelous
account of the CW, which is weakened by the lack of citations.>>

I think Foote falls into the same category of popular historians as James
Michener aad David McCullough who write for the interest and edification of
the general public who, for the most part, prefer not to have footnotes
cluttering the page.  Academic historians like James Mcpherson and Gary
Gallagher have an obligation based on their discipline to document their
work so they can be judged by their peers.

Both types of historians have an important role to fill, and are looked upon
by society quite differently.  You can become rich and famous as a popular
historian, and these writers spread the word and generate interest far and
wide about historical topics.  Fame and fortune rarely is bestowed upon the
academics, but where would those of us who rely on their documented research
be without them?

Tom Ryan