Praise for the first edition:

“There's a level of sophistication in Essaying the Past that is disguised by its utterly clear and engaging style. Jim Cullen tells students just what they need to know to write about the past.”
– Mari Jo Buhle, Brown University

“The ultimate insider’s guide to historical writing, the new gold standard in the field.”
– Kerry Walk, Otis College of Art and Design

Praise for the second edition:

“Newly revised and better than ever, Essaying the Past remains the single most useful resource for history students and instructors in high school and college.”
– Burke Miller, Northern Kentucky University

“Jim Cullen presents a compelling case for the historical essay as a tool of learning and plots the course for success with a rare combination of clarity, sophistication, humor, and easy candor.”
– James E. Wadsworth, Stonehill College

“A clear, concise and engaging guide to the practice of history. Jim Cullen excels in walking students through all the steps of researching and writing a persuasive paper.”
– Carter Jones Meyer, Ramapo College of New Jersey

“In this first-rate book, Jim Cullen delivers a concise and accessible guide to the critical work that historians do: reading, writing, and thinking about history. Students will find it informative and a pleasure to read.”
– Elizabeth Smith-Pryor, Kent State University

“With lucidity, verve, and empathy, Cullen lays the writing process bare, including fumbles, setbacks, and paths not taken. In analyzing the writing of history, he also shows why it matters.”
– Roberta Pergher, The University of Kansas