How I Write Diarmaid MacCulloch: Oxford Professor Breaks Down His Writing Process | How I Write
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Feb 12, 2026 
Diarmaid MacCulloch, Oxford professor and historian of Christianity and the Tudors, explains how historians balance skepticism with sympathy. He discusses writing vivid, clear history, the value of travel and sensory detail, the risks of beautiful but misleading narratives, and why historians should declare their biases. Short, lively reflections on craft, routine, and the moral role of history.
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Read Big Syntheses Before Primary Sources
- Read major secondary syntheses first to know prevailing cliches and avoid reinventing the wheel.
- Then return to primary sources to test and refine those received narratives.
Write For Both Rigor And Readability
- Excellent historical books combine rigorous research with accessible, inspiring prose for popular audiences.
- The best works push methodological frontiers while remaining readable and engaging.
What Makes Historical Prose Beautiful
- Beautiful historical prose illuminates other people sympathetically and can make readers smile or think.
- Avoid purple or leaden prose; aim for clarity that reveals character and context.
