The Independent Historian and the Question of “Academic” Rigor

Independent Historian—is the appellation or term for historians that are not part of the

academic mainstream for generating, reviewing and publishing historical research, and is

sometimes (incorrectly) used as a synonym for “amateur historian.” A diverse and largely

unaffiliated sub-group, Independent Historians labor bereft of the inherent advantages of close

membership in a structured community, often in unavoidably isolated circumstances. They may

be scholars without formal degrees or individuals writing outside the Western tradition, those

writing on topics not usually regarded as “academic” in nature, or perhaps in some way

iconoclastic. Or, just as probably, well credentialed individuals that are retired, home-bound, or

“between employments.” Their most common bond is that they work outside or on the periphery

of academia. Removed from formal or immediate oversight, there admittedly exists the potential

for running amuck—the contravention of methods of historical research and presentation

painstakingly assembled since the time of Herodotus. And yet, the contribution made by

Independent Historians to the body of history is both manifest and significant. How does one

account for it?

           The purpose of this paper is to highlight the challenges faced by the Independent

Historian engaged in the pursuit of historiographical rigor and the various means and tools

regularly employed to ensure the integrity of independent scholarship. Ultimately, by obviating

the detrimental effects of working independently the Independent Historian enhances both the

credibility and marketability of their work.