Norman Friedman's speed and depth as a naval researcher deserve praise without requiring agreement with every conclusion. Historians can draw different interpretations from the same subject, so disagreement does not make the underlying research useless. Readers should compare an author's claims with the evidence and with other historians instead of treating one authority as definitive. Detailed reference works can be used critically while retaining their factual value.
Notable Point · 5:18-6:01
How to use Norman Friedman's research without inheriting every conclusion
Strong factual research remains useful even when a reader disputes the historian's interpretation.