GDG- Shelby Foote

[Marc Ferguson]

Tom,
Thanks for your thoughts. What I was responding to was the implication that 
narrative, as a model of historical presentation, was a reason in and of 
itself to dispense with footnotes. Whatever its strengths and weaknesses as 
an historical "way of knowing," narrative does not benefit, or suffer, less 
from the documenting of sources. I understand that the reading public by and 
large does not care about footnotes, but I suspect that most of us who 
immerse ourselves in the literature and enjoy discussion and debate over the 
interpretation of historical sources would have preferred that Foote had 
rendered his account more transparent by providing the documentation. As for 
McCullough, my quick perusal of his _John Adams_ reveals a work that is 
extensively documented, and this didn't prevent it from becoming a 
best-seller.

best,
Marc

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Tom Ryan" <pennmardel at mchsi.com>
To: "GDG" <gettysburg at arthes.com>
Sent: Monday, February 04, 2008 10:41 AM
Subject: RE: GDG- Shelby Foote


> Esteemed GDG Member Contributes:
>
>
> <<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