Overview

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.

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9781849665377

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Reviews

History by Numbers is a perfect introduction to those unfamiliar with, or uncertain about, quantitative approaches to the study of the past. Written in an accessible and engaging style, even those who lack confidence with numbers, graphs and statistics will find themselves enlightened as the authors carefully guide them through a variety of quantitative historical methodologies, describe how they have been used, and what their advantages and shortcomings might be for historical researchers. Hannah Barker, University of Manchester, UK

History by Numbers is a perfect introduction to those unfamiliar with, or uncertain about, quantitative approaches to the study of the past. Written in an accessible and engaging style, even those who lack confidence with numbers, graphs and statistics will find themselves enlightened as the authors carefully guide them through a variety of quantitative historical methodologies, describe how they have been used, and what their advantages and shortcomings might be for historical researchers. Hannah Barker, University of Manchester, UK Scared of numbers no more! In a world in which we are constantly asked to make sense of data in the form of graphs and tables, how can we address history without much sense of magnitude, scale and trends over time? In History by Numbers Hudson and Ishizu guide the reader step by step into the world of quantities, and percentages, as well as the mysteries of sampling and causation. Without numerical literacy, it is impossible to tackle key issues such as migration, consumption, urbanisation and indeed cultural and political change. Giorgio Riello, University of Warwick, UK This is the text book for the next generation of quantitative historians. The brilliantly crafted new edition is written for those who are knowledgeable in history but still skip over the graphs and tables. Chapters convey the evolving need for quantitative study, then lead readers smoothly through all the key quantitative principles. Early chapters show how to read and assess quantitative history; concluding chapters provide effective guidelines on conducting quantitative research. The images and tables, updated and beautifully documented, illustrate concretely the principles. Hudson and Ishizu have overcome the mechanical approaches of their competitors: at every step, a lively historiographical discussion accompanies their clear statement of quantitative principles, emphasizing the balance of technique and critical historical review of the past. Students will be elevated as well as informed; senior scholars will read this book with profit as a review of principles and as a guide to teaching. Patrick Manning, University of Pittsburg, USA and President, American Historical Association Ever wondered about that Gini they talk about? If you have scratched your head over debates about income inequality, puzzled over long-run trends, or perhaps pondered on what son-preference in India did to men's chances of marrying, then History by Numbers is for you. This book gently teaches how to think with statistics, using wide-ranging examples from recent historical literature. Statistical concepts are crystal clear. The authors also examine why historians want to quantify, and how research is changing in the digital age. Big Data means everyone needs to understand numbers. Hudson and Ishizu offer an at once practical and engaging introductory text. Deborah Oxley, University of Oxford, UK

Author Information

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.

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