What makes a source original?
An original source lets you examine a text or record directly. Its value depends on the question you are asking. A historical book may be a firsthand source for what its author believed, while still relying on earlier accounts for the events it describes.
Identify the edition
Begin with the title page, author, publication date, and any translator or editor. A translation, later edition, or commentary may introduce choices that affect how you understand a passage. Keep those details alongside your reading notes.
Read around the quotation
Look at the surrounding pages and the chapter’s argument. Check whether the author is stating an opinion, quoting another writer, describing an event, or presenting an example. A sentence can mean something different when separated from its context.
Compare and follow the evidence
When a text cites another work, follow the reference where possible. Compare accounts and distinguish agreement from independent confirmation. Ask what the author could know firsthand and what remains uncertain.
Explore the library
The books below are available to read in your browser. Use the first-page previews to begin, then move through the pages at your own pace. You can also browse our introduction to historical books online or return to the full library.