HIST 282 - The Great War / Schneider, Joanne

"Discovery" of Primary Sources

Although some of the resources listed in this LibGuide are direct access points to primary documents or collections of primary sources, a fundamental concept of historical research is the discovery of primary sources through the use of secondary and even tertiary sources.  The bibliographies, reference lists, works cited, or Notes sections of any well constructed academic monograph or journal article should contain either direct citation of primary sources or secondary source pathways to primary sources.  These constitute ready-made literature reviews for fellow scholars. 

Never let a secondary or tertiary work leave your hands without examining the notes and the bibliography for useful material.  Remember: these academic authors have already combed the literature to a greater or lesser extent.  Capitalize on the work they have already done in your area of interest.

In the spirit of this advice, remember that sources such as Researching World War I: A Handbook [ REF D522.4 .R47 2003 ] will lead you to key secondary sources which, in turn, will point you to relevant primary sources used by those authors.

America and World War I : a selected annotated bibliography of English-language sources by David R. Woodward and Robert Franklin Maddox  Call Number: Ref D 769 .W6 1985

Primary sources in European diplomacy, 1914-1945: a bibliography of published memoirs and diaries by Frederic M. Messick   Call Number: Ref D443 .M395 1987

Remember that the ANB and ODNB below will both lead you to key secondary and primary souces about the individuals profiled, but will ALSO allow you to do complete full text searching for all references to particular places, events, or ideas [i.e. conscription, pacifism/pacifists, mutinies, etc.] contained in these definitive, commissioned biographies.

• American National Biography

  "The landmark American National Biography offers portraits of more than 17,400 DECEASED men & women -- from all eras and walks of life -- whose lives have shaped the nation." These definitive overviews are written by historians commissioned by the ANB editors, creating an authoritative background document on the life and importance of each biographee. A descriptive BIBLIOGRAPHY, which may list primary sources, the most useful published biographies, articles & monographs concludes each entry.

• Oxford Dictionary of National Biography

  The Oxford DNB is a collection of over 56,000 specially written biographies of men and women who have shaped all aspects of the British past. Updated three time per year with new material published every January, May and October. LIMITED TO 1 USER AT A TIME.

• ARTstor

  Database of images. ARTstor provides curated collections of art images and associated data for noncommercial and scholarly, non-profit educational use. Need help? We recommend ARTstor on YouTube