writing in the disciplines

writing a book review

A historical book review, like most academic book reviews, is an analysis of another author’s scholarly interpretation. This analysis evaluates what the author is arguing—the thesis or main point—and how the author supports the thesis—the use of sources and evidence.

Important features of a book review include a summary of the book’s main point(s), an indication of the author’s goal in writing the book, and an evaluation of the extent to which the book met that goal.

Typical goals in history books relate to a specific time period or event. Authors may seek to provide a new understanding, question a standard interpretation, add detail to current understandings, or argue for a new significance.

For further advice and an example, see Writing a Book Review, from Indiana University’s Writing Tutorial Services.