European and Asian History Comprises

¶ … European and Asian History" comprises periods after 1600 on a series of different pages. The pages are text-based and lack imagery but offer a worthwhile timeline of events including information that is not typically included in history accounts. For example, the author indicates that in 1600 the German wine industry collapsed. The information is especially useful for those who want to place European history within a global context because of the inclusion of Asian historical events too. However helpful the "European and Asian History" may be, it is at best a springboard for further inquiry. Lacking credible authorship and source references, the accuracy and credibility of the site cannot be determined.

The author of "European and Asian History" is R.D. Garneau, a Canadian who was inspired to research his family genealogy. The research led to a compilation of general history references. Garneau does not pretend to present an academic resource. In fact, the purpose of the Web site is clearly stated as "a guide to helping you locate records in completing your own research." Thus, Garneau admits that his site is not to be used as a scholastic source. Garneau also respects the value of primary over secondary sources, which many academic sites fail to do. The author discloses identity, is not affiliated with any organization that might impede Web site credibility, and does offer an email address for further contact.

"European and Asian History" is similar to Wikipedia in the sense that the site contains potentially valuable information but cannot be cited as an academic resource. Wikipedia entries contain more external references than the "European and Asian History," which does not include any external references. In spite of these key weaknesses, the "European and Asian History" Web site can be used as a starting point for research. External references, even to source material that is not online such as printed documents, would tremendously boost the credibility of the Web site. Even so, the author does not claim to be a scholastic resource.

One of the strengths of the "European and Asian History" Web site is its objectivity. The author presents the historical information dryly and without opinion, and there is no noticeable bias. In fact, the information is listed as simple chronological tidbits as opposed to sentences. The Web site is informative and not analytical. Without a main thesis, Garneau's information is more encyclopedic than it is essay-like. Bias can therefore be avoided, as Garneau is not proving a point or persuading readers. What Garneau's site lacks in academic credibility, it makes up for in evident objectivity. No broad assertions or conclusions are being made.