This webpage provides resources to help you find more information on the themes and topics of the course.
Most of the databases on this page are restricted to UW students, staff and faculty. These are marked with a lock
. To connect to these databases from home you will need to first click on the Off-Campus Access button in the upper-right hand corner and login with your UWnetid.
Have questions or need research help? Please contact Theresa Mudrock, the history librarian, via email at mudrock@u.washington.edu
Start Here to Find Background Information
Encyclopedias and other reference sources can provide background information and can be used to identify key people, events and dates which can then be used as search terms for finding additional information. More importantly, because encyclopedias often cover the major issues surrounding the subject, they can help you narrow your research from a broad "who, what, where, when" topic to a "how or why" question. Many also provide a jumpstart on your research by listing related readings.
Two searchable collections of encyclopedias are
- Encyclopedia of European social history from 1350 to 2000 - Suzzallo Reference HN373 .E63 2000
- Encyclopedia of exploration to 1800: a comprehensive reference guide to the history - Suzzallo Reference G80 .H68 2003
- Europe 1450 to 1789: encyclopedia of the early modern world - Suzzallo Reference D209 .E97 2004
- Literature of travel and exploration: an encyclopedia - Suzzallo Reference G465 .L565 2003
- Oxford encyclopedia of maritime history - Suzzallo Reference VK15 .O84 2007
Start Here to Find Books
Non-fiction books can provide both an overview and indepth analysis of a topic, event or person. Many books will include footnotes and bibliography that can lead you to other research/writings on the topic. Book reviews can be useful when evaluating a book or to get a quick synopsis. Use the databases listed under "Finding Academic/Scholarly Articles" to find book reviews.
- UW Libraries Catalog - holdings of the UW Libraries. Best used for known-item searching especially journal titles and ebooks and when you want to find just what is available on campus or in a specific branch of the UW Libraries.
- Beta Catalog/WorldCat Local - Beta version of the catalog that simultaneously searches the UW Libraries Catalog and other libraries in the region and worldwide, also includes some citations to articles. Best used for topical searches and for requesting books from other libraries.
Start Here to Find Academic/Scholarly Articles
Academic articles, those published in scholarly journals, are the bedrock of most academic disciplines. In the field of historical research, they are considered secondary sources. They provide an indepth analysis of narrow topics. Prior to publishing, articles are vetted through a process called peer-review.
Most academic articles and books include footnotes or a bibliography which can lead you to primary sources (and additional secondary sources) on a topic. See example.
Start Here to Find Books that are Primary Sources
In addition to the many books that are secondary sources; the UW Libraries has books that are primary sources. These include books written during the period for your topic (i.e., during the 1780s), books written by participants, published collections of correspondence and other personal writings, memoirs and reprints of primary source material.
Some books are in print while others are available electronically.
Search the UW Libraries Catalog using the following search tactics: Other Databases:
- Limit your search by publication date.
- Search for books written by key participants and organizations. For example the Hakluyt Society publishes reprints and translations of early travel accounts. Example of a keyword search: turkey and Hakluyt society
- Use special subject terms that designate primary sources: sources, personal narratives, diaries, early works to 1800
- Example of a Keyword search: turkey and early works to 1800
Start Here to Find Early Newspapers & Magazines
17th and 18th century newspapers are distinctly different in nature from modern papers. According to Jeremy Black, the "news was still predominately political, the reports derivative, anonymous and impersonal... There was little in-depth analysis; events were the focus of attention and the background was rarely described adequately. Most items were short, without explanation or introduction."*
Help: Analyzing Newspapers & Analyzing a Colonial Newspaper
* Griffiths, Dennis, ed., The Encyclopedia of the British Press 1422-1992. New York: St. Martin's Press, 1992.
Start Here to Find Websites
The Web is a growing source for primary sources dealing with history. The sites listed here have substantial collections of primary sources including maps dealing with travel and exploration.
See History on the Web for additional websites.
- Maps
- Charts and Maps - National Maritime Museum (UK)
- David Rumsey Historical Map Collection
- Kaartencollectie
- Map Collections 1500-2004 - Library of Congress
- Travel Accounts
- Other
- EuroDocs - Western European historical documents
- Internet Modern History Sourcebook: The Early Modern World
Image: Detail from a 1558 map of the countries around the Indian Ocean, Queen Mary Atlas. Courtesy of the British Library.
History on the Web | Chicago Styleguide | Research 101 tutorial
