Scholarly Book vs. Popular Nonfiction
What is scholarly book?
Authority of the author(s) on the subject of the book
Most authority to least authority:
Purpose of the book
Most to least authority:
Evidence cited by the author(s)
Most to least authority:
Most authority to least authority:
- Holds advanced degree (Ph.D., M.D., Ed.D.) in the subject covered by the book or a very closely related field
- Trained investigative reporters writing about their investigations
- Professional in the field writing about experiences in his/her own profession
- Pundits and other opinion makers writing about their opinions
Purpose of the book
Most to least authority:
- Discuss and reflect on original research. Should provide examination of original historical documents and/or artifacts.
- Provide an in depth examination on current events
- Discuss personal or professional experiences
- Profile individuals
- Argue personal political opinions
Evidence cited by the author(s)
Most to least authority:
- Original data collection and analysis / original historical documents and/or artifacts cited in footnotes and bibliographies
- Secondary sources cited in footnotes and bibliographies
- Interviews with persons close to event or research area are cited within the text of the book (not necessarily in footnotes)
- Personal experience is described
- Selected anecdotes from other peoples' lives are described
- Personal opinions form the basis of conclusions