Assingments % - Mark Hersey's My Work is that of Conservation: An Environmental Biography of George Washington Carver (2011).

Mark Hersey. My Work is that of Conservation: An Environmental Biography of George Washington Carver (Athens: University of Georgia Press, 2011)
Book review should include:
• a general synopsis of the book’s central argument
• an assessment of the evidence the author uses
• and a discussion of any gaps or problems with the author’s evidence or arguments. The review should not simply summarize what is in the book; it needs to offer some genuine analysis as well. It might behoove you to read some scholarly reviews before you write your own. Probably the best place to read thoughtful book reviews is in the American Historical Review, but you can find perfectly satisfactory examples quite easily in almost any scholarly historical journal.
Formatting: The paper should be double-spaced in Times New Roman 12 point font using Microsoft Word’s default margins.
Citations: Quotations should be short, and the page from which they are drawn noted parenthetically at the end of the sentence in which they are included. All citations for any references to sources other than the book itself should be done according to the Chicago Manual of Style, the standard style guide for historians.

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Step-by-Step Guide on Writing Your Book Review

1. Understanding the Assignment Requirements

The task here is to write a book review of Mark Hersey’s My Work is that of Conservation: An Environmental Biography of George Washington Carver (2011). Your review needs to:

Provide a general synopsis of the book’s central argument.
Offer an assessment of the evidence Hersey uses in his argument.
Discuss any gaps or problems with the author’s evidence or arguments.
Go beyond a simple summary of the book and offer genuine analysis.

2. Reading the Book and Taking Notes

Before you begin writing, you need to read the book and take careful notes. Focus on:

Key Themes: What are the central ideas of the book? What is Hersey arguing about George Washington Carver’s environmental work?
Evidence: Pay attention to the evidence Hersey uses to support his argument. What sources does he rely on? Does he use primary or secondary sources?
Structure: How does Hersey organize the book? Does it follow a chronological approach, thematic structure, or both?
Gaps: As you read, be alert to any potential gaps or weaknesses in his argument. Is there something important that he overlooks or does not fully address?

3. Writing the Book Review

Start with a Clear Introduction:

Introduce the Book: State the title of the book, the author’s name, and the central focus or argument of the book.
Purpose of the Review: Briefly explain the purpose of your review and what aspects of the book you will analyze (central argument, evidence, gaps).

Example: Mark Hersey’s My Work is that of Conservation: An Environmental Biography of George Washington Carver offers an in-depth exploration of Carver’s environmental contributions. Hersey argues that Carver’s legacy as an agricultural scientist extends beyond his work with crops to his broader environmental conservation efforts. This review will assess the central argument of Hersey’s book, evaluate the evidence presented, and discuss any potential gaps or weaknesses in his analysis.

Provide a General Synopsis of the Book’s Central Argument:

Summarize the book’s main argument.
What is the book’s thesis about George Washington Carver and his environmental work? Why does Hersey believe Carver is important in this context?
Highlight any key points or arguments that Hersey uses to support his thesis.

Assess the Evidence the Author Uses:

Evaluate the type and quality of evidence Hersey uses to support his argument. Does he rely on primary sources (letters, diaries, documents) or secondary sources (scholarly articles, books)?
Discuss the depth of research: Does he use a wide variety of sources? Are these sources reliable and relevant?
How does the evidence strengthen or weaken his argument?

Example: Hersey draws on a wide array of primary sources, including Carver’s personal letters and historical records, to underscore his contributions to agricultural science. However, some critics may argue that Hersey could have explored more secondary sources related to the broader context of environmental science in the early 20th century.

Discuss Gaps or Problems with the Author’s Evidence or Arguments:

Critically analyze any potential gaps in the author’s evidence or argument. Does Hersey miss any important perspectives or sources?
Are there any weaknesses or biases in his analysis?
Could the author have explored any additional avenues, perspectives, or research?

Example: While Hersey presents a thorough account of Carver’s agricultural contributions, his focus on Carver’s environmental philosophy leaves little room for exploring the socio-political contexts in which Carver operated. The author could have examined the political or racial challenges Carver faced in his advocacy for conservation more closely.

Conclusion:

Provide a brief summary of your overall thoughts on the book. Was it convincing? Does it contribute new insights to the field?
Would you recommend the book to others interested in George Washington Carver or environmental history?

Example: Hersey’s book is a valuable contribution to understanding George Washington Carver’s work within the environmental movement. Although some gaps in evidence and argumentation remain, the book provides a nuanced perspective on Carver’s lasting impact on agricultural conservation. This work is highly recommended for those interested in environmental history and the life of this often-overlooked historical figure.

4. Citations and Formatting

Your paper should be formatted according to the following guidelines:

Font: Use Times New Roman size 12.
Spacing: The paper should be double-spaced.
Margins: Use Microsoft Word’s default margins.
Citations: Use Chicago Manual of Style for citations. Since this is a book review, quotations from the book itself should be short, and page numbers should be included in parentheses. For any other references to external sources, use the Chicago style for footnotes or endnotes.

Example of a citation:

Book Citation: Hersey, Mark. My Work is That of Conservation: An Environmental Biography of George Washington Carver. Athens: University of Georgia Press, 2011.

Example of an in-text citation:

(Hersey 2011, 45)

5. Proofreading and Submitting

Before submitting your review:

Proofread for spelling, grammar, and clarity.
Check formatting to ensure it meets the required specifications (spacing, font, margins, etc.).
Ensure that all citations are correct and formatted properly.

By following this guide, you’ll be able to write a comprehensive and well-structured book review that not only summarizes the book but also provides a critical analysis of the author’s argument and evidence. Good luck with your review!

Mark Hersey’s My Work is that of Conservation: An Environmental Biography of George Washington Carver (2011).