The Burdette research method in the Renaissance books—I thought all numismatic books used original r
Longacre
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I just started to read Roger Burdette’s “Renaissance of American Coinage, 1905-1908”. The introduction to the book describes the author’s views of the material that has been regurgitated in the past, and then describes his research methods.
In reference to material and stories that have been repeated in the past, he states, “In trying to understand who created the designs on our historical coinage, and how it was done, the writer kept being pulled into the same circle bounded by Taxay, Breen, and a handful of others. Much of their research was a half-century-old, and examination of additional works led to increasingly conflicting assertions. Claims and counterclaims were made with little factual support, and articles in popular hobby magazines only made the situation more confusing.”
Also, Burdette’s book errs on the side of fact, and omits the retelling of popular stories where they cannot be substantiated. For example, he states, “In a few instances, much used quotes, such as those attributed to President Roosevelt about producing high relief double eagles if it took all day to strike one coin, are omitted from the book. This is because the original document cannot be located (or perhaps never existed) or the earliest known reference is unattributed.”
Finally, the book uses some quite novel sources of original information to get a side to the story that most people would not think of. For example, in telling the Saint-Gaudens story, Burdette examined the correspondence file of Charles Brewster, Saint-Gaudens’ attorney. Burdette claims that these letters resolve many of the points of confusion in the months following the artist’s death and the location and payment for certain low relief and extremely high relief $20 coins.
This sort of thorough research is amazing, and honestly, I thought that all numismatic books were supported by this level of documentation. Had Mr. Burdette not done so much research, I am sure he could have whipped out these books in a much shorter time, and then moved on to the next highly profitable venture. However, it is nice to see that care was taken with these books, and I look forward to continuing to read the present volume.
In reference to material and stories that have been repeated in the past, he states, “In trying to understand who created the designs on our historical coinage, and how it was done, the writer kept being pulled into the same circle bounded by Taxay, Breen, and a handful of others. Much of their research was a half-century-old, and examination of additional works led to increasingly conflicting assertions. Claims and counterclaims were made with little factual support, and articles in popular hobby magazines only made the situation more confusing.”
Also, Burdette’s book errs on the side of fact, and omits the retelling of popular stories where they cannot be substantiated. For example, he states, “In a few instances, much used quotes, such as those attributed to President Roosevelt about producing high relief double eagles if it took all day to strike one coin, are omitted from the book. This is because the original document cannot be located (or perhaps never existed) or the earliest known reference is unattributed.”
Finally, the book uses some quite novel sources of original information to get a side to the story that most people would not think of. For example, in telling the Saint-Gaudens story, Burdette examined the correspondence file of Charles Brewster, Saint-Gaudens’ attorney. Burdette claims that these letters resolve many of the points of confusion in the months following the artist’s death and the location and payment for certain low relief and extremely high relief $20 coins.
This sort of thorough research is amazing, and honestly, I thought that all numismatic books were supported by this level of documentation. Had Mr. Burdette not done so much research, I am sure he could have whipped out these books in a much shorter time, and then moved on to the next highly profitable venture. However, it is nice to see that care was taken with these books, and I look forward to continuing to read the present volume.
Always took candy from strangers
Didn't wanna get me no trade
Never want to be like papa
Working for the boss every night and day
--"Happy", by the Rolling Stones (1972)
Didn't wanna get me no trade
Never want to be like papa
Working for the boss every night and day
--"Happy", by the Rolling Stones (1972)
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Comments
Well, actually there aren't that many numismatic books that even purport to have done much historical research - so many of them focus on die varieties, etc. that are the fruits of the author's many years of personal research, after all.
In any event, you're very refreshingly credulous in this cynical age. Remind me to hire you to do my taxes (don't worry, I have a really good explanation for that deduction).
Check out the Southern Gold Society
<< <i>This sort of thorough research is amazing, and honestly, I thought that all numismatic books were supported by this level of documentation. >>
Surely you jest? Very few rise to the level of Burdette in this series. In some cases he tells you the actual box in the archives to go look at.
It is just not practical to consistently work at this level - if the writers of CW, Numismatist, etc. were that thorough, they could not crank out stuff 10% as fast as they do now. It's not that they aren't good writers and researchers - it's just that commercial demands force them to work differently.
<< <i>Remind me to hire you to do my taxes >>
I get confused when dealing with really big numbers.
Didn't wanna get me no trade
Never want to be like papa
Working for the boss every night and day
--"Happy", by the Rolling Stones (1972)
Check out the Southern Gold Society