Citing Sources In William Robertson's Book 'The History Of America'
Historians often use other historians research as examples and evidence within their work. Citing sources provide clarity on a topic, or further supports the historian’s claim. However, there are a plethora of calculations and processes one must go through to determine the validity of a single source. The author’s background, citations, content of the material, and objectivity are all items that must be considered when determining whether a source is relevant and a good source to cite. William Robertson’s book titled, “The History of America” volume III book v, will be used to further convey validity of scholarly works, and demonstrate how a source merits value for a historian. This book was written at the end of the 1700’s; therefore, historians
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Due to the book being old, and information discovered after its publication were not included in his work, “The History of America” lacks certain sources more recent publications would include. Therefore, Robertson’s book could be viewed as an unreliable source. However, the sources Robertson used are reliable. He stated, “It is a duty I owe the public to mention the sources from which I have derived such intelligence as justifies me either in placing transactions in a new light, or in forming any new opinion with respect to their causes and effects.” Robertson then explained the sources he used in his investigation, and how they were credible sources. Therefore, while new information is missing from Robertson’s book, he still used respectable sources, further demonstrating the validity of his work for scholars …show more content…
Robertson stayed true to his objective and only shows slight bias. An unfair representation of the Native Americans was conveyed when Robertson called the Indians savages. Yet, he supported his claim by illustrating the Indian’s savage behaviors later in the text. While displaying the Indian’s savage behavior, he did not thoroughly examine their culture; and therefore, showed slight bias in his work. However, it does not diminish Robertson’s overall objectivity. Robertson’s books are indeed old, and scrutiny does have merit for not considering his work as a reliable source due to the information and citations not being current. However, “The History of America” is still regarded as a reliable source for historians to use when researching the Spanish conquest of America. Robertson’s background, historical expertise on Spanish history, use of ample amounts of historical sources, factual material, and objectivity prove his work as a trustworthy source. Therefore, it is still valuable
Due to the book being old, and information discovered after its publication were not included in his work, “The History of America” lacks certain sources more recent publications would include. Therefore, Robertson’s book could be viewed as an unreliable source. However, the sources Robertson used are reliable. He stated, “It is a duty I owe the public to mention the sources from which I have derived such intelligence as justifies me either in placing transactions in a new light, or in forming any new opinion with respect to their causes and effects.” Robertson then explained the sources he used in his investigation, and how they were credible sources. Therefore, while new information is missing from Robertson’s book, he still used respectable sources, further demonstrating the validity of his work for scholars …show more content…
Robertson stayed true to his objective and only shows slight bias. An unfair representation of the Native Americans was conveyed when Robertson called the Indians savages. Yet, he supported his claim by illustrating the Indian’s savage behaviors later in the text. While displaying the Indian’s savage behavior, he did not thoroughly examine their culture; and therefore, showed slight bias in his work. However, it does not diminish Robertson’s overall objectivity. Robertson’s books are indeed old, and scrutiny does have merit for not considering his work as a reliable source due to the information and citations not being current. However, “The History of America” is still regarded as a reliable source for historians to use when researching the Spanish conquest of America. Robertson’s background, historical expertise on Spanish history, use of ample amounts of historical sources, factual material, and objectivity prove his work as a trustworthy source. Therefore, it is still valuable