Fully updated and carefully revised, this new 2nd edition of History by Numbers stands alone as the only textbook on quantitative methods suitable for students of history. Even the numerically challenged will find inspiration.Taking a problem-solving approach and using authentic historical data, it describes each method in turn, including its origin, purpose, usefulness and associated pitfalls. The problems are developed gradually and with narrative skill, allowing readers to experience the moment of discovery for each of the interpretative outcomes. Quantitative methods are essential for the modern historian, and this lively and accessible text will prove an invaluable guide for anyone entering the discipline.
Pat Hudson is Emeritus Professor of History at Cardiff University, UK.Mina Ishizu has recently held research fellowship posts in history at Manchester University and at the London School of Economics, UK.
Foreword1. The Prospects and Pitfalls of History by Numbers2. The Origins and Nature of Quantitative Thinking3. Arranging, Rearranging and Displaying Data4. Summarising Data: Averages and Distributions5. Time Series and Indices6. Relationships Between Variables7. Sampling and Significance Testing 8. Modelling History9. Computing, the Internet and HistoryGlossaryIndex
The chapters are structured clearly and accessibly; they also include useful exercises which are based on real research work ... A useful book, well-structured and with great pedagogical value.
Martin Gustavsson, Yvonne Svanström, Anna Dahlgren, Martin Dribe, Jani Marjanen, Andreas Melldahl, Tom Mels, Anna Nilsson Hammar, Maria Sjöberg, Johan Söderberg, Malin Thor Tureby, Maria Ågren