What is History?
History is the response of a person or people to events and circumstances
around them.
History is not a dry recitation of dates, events and documents. It
is people in action and in many cases dealing with issues that people have
always faced. Read a book of history, a newspaper or website and you will
likely see the questions have not changed but the fascinating variety of
answers has.
Why History Reconsidered?
Because there are significant historical decisions made and actions taken
that are worth giving another look or “reconsideration” because they have
never been examined (such as Gooch’s American Regiment, 1740-1742) or have
not been examined thoroughly. The way history is reconsidered matters.
History needs to be made accessible, supported with graphics and pictures
when possible, while respecting the intelligence of the reader. No dumbing
down here mislabeled as accessibility!
Sources matter too. Never waste your time on a historical account
that is unsupported by sources unless the author watched the event happen.
As a writer who believes in intellectual honesty, it is important to
document where you found source material. Readers should always be
supported in their efforts to continue their journey through a subject by
providing sources and suggested further reading.
I have chosen to focus on military history because I am a lifelong
student of military history and a retired soldier. It is something I am
interested in, believe is of value and, perhaps presumptuously, think I
have some knowledge of, both intellectually and personally. Warfare is a
terrible thing but from this terrible thing, important and good things
have come into being or been sustained. The crucible of war has brought
out the best and worst in human behavior and provided lessons to be
learned in its execution that apply across the ages, military echelons and
locations around the world. I hope I can make some small contribution to
the field with my work.
– Lee Offen