medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Marjorie Greene <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>....I have books I plan to consult to try to sort things out, but who knows
if the books/authors are reliable? As in most things in life, all depends on
the meaning of words and on the competence of the one wielding
them. (Sigh...)
not quite *that* bad.
even scholars with a good "reputation" can go off the rails and write nonsense
(Duby); while totally unknown folks might be found to do quite substantial and
serious work....
a good rule of thumb is to follow *all* the assertions which any given author
might make on any given subject "to ground," i.e., run it back to an
*original* source.
then, check that original source --in the original language-- and see if the
fellow's interpretation holds up.
far as i'm concerned, any author who doesn't cite his sources --primary or
secondary-- at all is writing something which might or might not have the
value of fiction.
it the guy (or gal) cites secondary sources alone, then the same cavaet
applies --until you can run down the secondary sources and see what the
*primary* sources *those* might be based on have to say.
a "real" historian will cite both, preferably quoting verbatum the relevant
portion the original source (esp. if it is unpublished or published in a work
of limited availabilty) in his apparatus.
that's just the way the game is played.
or, *should* be played, iMho.
christopher
**********************************************************************
To join the list, send the message: join medieval-religion YOUR NAME
to: [log in to unmask]
To send a message to the list, address it to:
[log in to unmask]
To leave the list, send the message: leave medieval-religion
to: [log in to unmask]
In order to report problems or to contact the list's owners, write to:
[log in to unmask]
For further information, visit our web site:
http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/medieval-religion.html
|