Executive Summary:
The Role of Historical Fiction in the Study of History: What is it?
Given the broad range of the subject and varying degrees of dedication to accuracy, we will be using selected examples to examine historical fiction as a means of gaining a greater understanding and appreciation of the academic discipline of history. Throughout, each of the following questions will be addressed in terms of utility and credibility in the study of history.
- What is historical fiction?
- What is the importance of historical fiction relative to the study of history?
- What can it tell us about the past, the present, and possibly the future?
- Does historical fiction, given that portions of the narrative are contrived, have a place in the study of history?
- How do we assess the value and accuracy of these works?
- What differences, if any, are there between historical fiction and scholarly history?
- How does historical fiction compare to the academic study of history?
- How can historical fiction be a vehicle to expand interest in the study of history
- Should historical fiction be used as a recruitment tool for history scholars?
Over the course of this abbreviated monograph, the reader will gain greater understanding of historical fiction, appreciation of the genre, and its application in academia.
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