Describes the preparation of an edition of the Savery Codex, a fourth century Coptic manuscript which illuminates elements of early Coptic Christianity. Illustrates the value of the text in the study of the Coptic language. (LS)

Describes a new translation of Mao Zedong's speeches and writings that is being produced by Harvard University. Provides three selections from this series of translations as examples of the first-hand information which will be included in an effort to illustrate distinct phases of Mao's intellectual development. (KO)

Asserts that increasing numbers of significant historical archives are being opened. Relates the story of historian Patricia Kennedy Grimsted who spent 30 years identifying the existence and history of national archives in the former Soviet Union and Eastern European nations. Maintains that her efforts have helped historians take advantage of…

Presents an interview with Benjamin Ray, a professor of religious studies at the University of Virginia (Charlottesville), focusing on Ray's work with the Salem Witchcraft Project. Addresses how Ray became interested in the topic and the use of the Internet within the discipline of history. (CMK)

Discusses the reclusive life of Emily Dickinson, recounting the discovery of Dickinson's poems after her death. Concentrates on the problems Dickinson's sister encountered in securing an editor. Contends that Dickinson's poems were distorted by editors and critics, and includes the original version of "Because I Could Not Stop for…

Reports on a project of the Litchfield (Connecticut) Historical Society that examines the journal of a young woman who attended the Litchfield Female Academy in the early 1800s. Describes the academy's curriculum, school governance, and students' lives. Emphasizes the importance of the school's director, Sarah Pierce, who trained at least 15 other…

Contends that, when laypeople read history, they prefer to read biographies--stories about leaders and people--rather than about social forces and ideas. Argues that the most effective way of writing biography is to write chronologically, not to use flashbacks or flash forward writing. (CFR)

Presents an insider's view of the process involved in creating award-winning historical, biographical documentaries. Argues that documentary filmmakers and historians share a common mission in presenting as complete and accurate a picture of the past as possible. Maintains that the central difference between the two is in the selection of…

Discusses the influx of Black soldiers into the Union army following the Emancipation Proclamation. Concentrates on the case of Private Spotswood Rice. Provides a short history of Rice, including copies of Rice's letters to his enslaved daughters, the daughter's slaveholders, and an angry retort from the slaveowner to the federal commander in…

Uses the author's experience writing, "Harriet Beecher Stowe: A Life," as a centerpiece for an examination of the art and craft of biography. Discusses some of the pitfalls and problems, not only in research and representation, but also in the critical reception and intended audience of a biography. (MJP)

Illustrates the astonishing coordination of archaeological and scholarly activities surrounding the Dead Sea Scrolls. First discovered by Bedouin nomads in 1947, the Scrolls consist of a few complete manuscripts and over 80,000 fragments. Discusses the early Christian sect that produced the Scrolls, and provides current perspectives on the…

Discusses the editing project that produced "The Papers of Dwight David Eisenhower." Reassesses Eisenhower's military and presidential leadership and organizational abilities. Demonstrates Eisenhower's skill as a leader, covering 1942 to 1960. Examines Eisenhower's term as Columbia University's president. Includes three letters that are…

Examines the views of six former U.S. Presidents (Washington, Jefferson, Jackson, Andrew Johnson, Grant, and Eisenhower) about their presidential role, federalism, and issues of their time that are still relevant today. Includes a paragraph for each President that provides a social and historical context. (CFR)

Appraises several databases devoted to classical literature. Thesaurus Linguae Graecae (TLG) contains the entire extant corpus of ancient Greek literature, including works on lexicography and historiography, extending into the 15th century. Other works awaiting completion are the Database of Classical Bibliography and a CD-ROM pictorial dictionary…