How we know what happened matters as much as what happened.
This work examines how evidence shapes our trust in history and the claims we read about the past.
Forsyth argues that belief in historical facts relies on credible witnesses, accessible sources, and careful judgment. It draws a clear line between anecdote and substantial history, and it compares how evidence is weighed in history versus the courts. The book also discusses topics like how miracles are evaluated, and how probability plays a role in assigning truth to past events.
- How to assess the genuineness and sources behind historical accounts
- When contemporary information matters and how to trace it to modern understanding
- How to separate useful facts from embellishing anecdotes
- How different traditions handle evidence and proof in historical writing
Ideal for readers interested in historical criticism, source evaluation, and the relationship between evidence and belief.