Academic vs. Popular
I think that there is a difference between an historian who writes for the academic community and one who writes for popular consumption. The path followed by the historians who write popular who ar consumption is closed because of the subjects of their investigation. These historians write what will capture the interest of a large number of people. They tend to be selective when it comes to what they include when writing their history. On the other hand, academic historians use facts, research and incorporate important elements when writing history. These historians ensure that the information they write is unbiased since it is for educational purposes. Ken Burns is an historian who can be labeled as a person who writes for both the academic and for popular consumption. Apart from writing historical documentaries that targets the academic audience, he has also ventured in the film industry for popular consumption.
An historical novelist captures details of the time period accurately as possible for genuineness. Majority of historical novels have to capture fictional tales that involve real historical events or historical facts. I enjoy reading historical novels that are based on personal experiences. For instance, real-life narratives of slavery in American history remind audience that slavery is something that was practiced. Many historical authors have written stories told by African-American slaves into historical narrative. One historical novel that I have read is “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave” by Frederick Douglas. Academic history more “serious” scholarship because historians who write for academic community require cultivation of specific virtues, skills and attitudes. Historical scholarship is a practice of writing, discussing and thinking that needs cultivation of specific virtues, skills and attitudes.
Bibliography.
Harlan David “Ken Burns and the Coming Crisis of Academic History” https://edge.apus.edu/access/content/group/arts-and-humanities-common/Grad%20History/HIST501/Content/harlan.pdf