A book review is an evaluation of an author's work.  It attempts to explain the author's main and supporting arguments and judge how well the author accomplished what he or she set out to do.

It may also be helpful to imagine yourself as a history professor and comment on whether or not you would recommend this book as required reading for your class - always explaining "Why?".

I encourage you to include a few direct quotations from the book you are reviewing, demonstrate that you have thought reflectively about the author's work, and refer to the author directly (by last name).

Remember to evaluate the author's work.  Do not summarize what he or she has written and do not make the mistake of evaluating the author's subject, rather than her or his work.

Sample Book Reviews
PDF files - acquire the free Adobe Acrobat Reader if necessary.

To view Dr. Foster's Marking Sheet for Book Reviews - click here

Reviews should go beyond description to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the work, paying attention to the use of sources, methodology, organization, and presentation. Evaluation should consider the work's stated purpose.

Whether the evaluation of a work is favorable or unfavorable, reviewers should express criticism in courteous, temperate, and constructive terms. Reviewers are responsible for presenting a fair and balanced review and for treating authors with respect.

from H-Net