Originally published on January 10, 2022 (Episode 241)
Introduction
So what does “research” mean to you? Is it looking for someone, somewhere on the internet, who already agrees with you? Then you should really listen to this episode.
This conversation is part of our continuing series on the “moves” of historical thinking—or what I like to think of as “what historical thinking can do for you.” If history is a way of seeing the past, it is also a way of knowing. And that means history can cultivate habits of seeing and knowing that are useful for everyone, not just professional historians.
Defining research in the form of a question, it asks: Where can I find more evidence? Real research draws on relevant, significant sources, whether found in other books, in archival collections, or on scholarly websites. With us to talk about research, and how he approaches it, is Alexander Mikaberidze.
About the Guest
Alexander Mikaberidze is Professor of European History at Louisiana State University at Shreveport, where he also holds the Ruth Herring Noel Endowed Chair for the Curatorship of the James Smith Noel Collection, one of the largest private collections of antiquarian books, prints, and maps in the United States. Widely recognized as one of the leading Napoleonic scholars today, this is his third appearance on Historically Thinking. He was last on the podcast to discuss The Napoleonic Wars: A Global History (Oxford University Press, 2020).
For Further Investigation
Alexander Mikaberidze, The Napoleonic Wars: A Global History (Oxford University Press, 2020)
IRISCan Book 5 Wifi – a portable scanner, no longer made or supported. Sigh. Get a stand for your iPhone.
Episode 155: The Third World War
Episode 14: Alex Mikaberidze on the World History of the Napoleonic Wars
💬 Listen & Discuss
What does “research” mean to you? Is it something that broadens your view—or just confirms what you already believe? Share your thoughts in the comments, and consider passing this episode along to someone who could use a reminder of what research is really about—that person who posts things on Facebook, for example. I’m sure it will end well.
