A deconstruction of the modern history book as artifact, How to Read a History Book explains who writes history books, how the writers are trained, and why they write them. It also discusses genre, bias (political and otherwise) and how to read history books between the lines. Written for undergraduates, intro graduate students and anyone with an informed interest in the subject, How to Read a History Book demonstrates that, rather than being objects that fall from the sky, history books are actually socially-constructed artifacts reflecting all the contradictions of modern meritocratic capitalism.

Short and succinct, Reading History introduces students to different kinds of historical writing, acting as a guide to help them read and understand primary and secondary sources.

Following on from the widely successful first volume, this second edition has been updated and expanded to create an essential collection of writings examining different aspects of the history of books and print culture. Arranged in thematic sections, bringing together a wide range of contributors, and featuring introductions to each section, this new edition: contains more extracts covering issues of gender, material culture and bibliographical matters has a brand new section on the future of the book in the electronic age examines different aspects of book history including: the development of the book, spoken words to written texts, the commodifcation of books, and the power and profile of readers. This pioneering book is a vital resource for all those involved in publishing studies, library studies, book history and also those studying English literature, cultural studies, sociology and history.