About this page
Background reading is an essential starting point to any research project. The purpose of background reading is to get an overview of your topic, and to begin to become acquainted with the key terms, names and events associated with your topic.
A good place to begin your background reading is to find and read an article in a subject-specific reference book. The Berntsen Library collects reference books in both print and online formats.
*Note: Reference books are considered tertiary sources and are not typically referred to or cited in research papers.
Reference books for background reading
These subject-specific reference books are available at the Berntsen Library. They are worth a trip to the library in order to get a concise, authoritative overview of your History topic as you begin your research. This list represents just a sampling of the many print reference books available at the Berntsen Library. Search Library Search, the library's catalog, or browse the 900s section of the Reference collection to find more history reference books.
-
Encyclopedia of ancient Egypt by Call Number: Northwestern Reference 932.003 B885 & OnlineISBN: 0816045631". . . the first single-volume reference to this extraordinary culture, bringing together a wealth of information. . . on all aspects of ancient Egypt, from its rulers, gods and goddesses, and cities to artistic themes, religious beliefs, writing, and daily life." -
Ancient Europe 8000 B.C.--A.D. 1000: Encyclopedia of the Barbarian world by Call Number: Northwestern Reference 936 An22ISBN: 0684806681 -
Encyclopedia of the ancient Greek world by Call Number: Northwestern Reference 938.003 Sa14 & OnlineISBN: 0816057222"More than 4,000 years ago, the ancient Greeks invaded the rugged hills and fertile plains of the Balkan Peninsula, and in the centuries that followed, they built one of the greatest and most influential civilizations in history. Their enduring legacy to modern society includes mythology, poetry, drama, sculpture, architecture, science, and political thought." -
Europe 1450 to 1789: Encyclopedia of the early modern world by Call Number: Northwestern Reference 940.2 Eu74ISBN: 068431200X -
-
Europe 1789 to 1914: Encyclopedia of the age of industry and empire by Call Number: Northwestern Reference 940.28 Eu74 2006ISBN: 0684313596 -
Europe since 1914: Encyclopedia of the age of war and reconstruction by Call Number: Northwestern Reference 940.5 Eu74 2006ISBN: 0684313650 -
Wikipedia
*Gasp!* Why is a library guide telling you to search Wikipedia? Like other reference sources, you might want to consult Wikipedia for background reading and fact gathering, but do not cite it as a source in your paper. For this particular class, the real value of Wikipedia is the list of links at the end of the article. These links will sometimes lead you to digitized collections of primary sources on your topic.
History e-Reference
Search one or more of the following e-Reference resources in order to get a good, authoritative overview of your history topic.