1. Write a two to three (2-3) pages long critical review of Firearms: A Global History to 1700 by Kenneth Chase.
2. I am not looking for a summary but a critical evaluation of the book’s thesis and arguments. Therefore, you should write a coherent narrative that includes answers to the following questions:
Why do you like this book?
What type of book is this? (monograph, novel, graphic novel, memoir,
biography, other)
What is (are) the author’s argument(s) [thesis, point, purpose]? (All good history
books have an argument)
What evidence does the author present to support his argument?
What are his sources?
How convincing is he? Why or why not?
What greater issues/themes does the book address?
How old is the book? Is it outdated or still relevant? Why or why not?
What do you know about the author?
Does he have any biases? How does he reveal these biases?
What political opinion does he hold? How does he reveal his conviction?
3. For a short review it is not necessary to use (m)any quotes. Use quotes only to underscore a specifically strong point of the author. Be careful not to use quotes just to summarize the content. In most instances it is much better to use your own words rather than quotes, as it shows me that you have understood and internalized the book.
4. All book reviews papers are to be typed, double-spaced, standard margins, left justified only, and in Times New Roman, 12 point font.
These are the instructions I was given.
