Abstract/Synopsis

One common feature of academic work is the placement of an 'abstract' at the beginning of a substantial piece of research. In tends not to be too common in academic history although I've grown to think of it as an excellent idea. As part of 'thinking through' all the issues associated with my dissertation I thought it might be worthwhile to attempt writing one for my own piece of work. Given that the topic is on:

'Operational Strategy and Tactics at the Battle of the Somme'

this is my initial attempt at an abstract/synopsis:

'This work will examine the historical literature that deals with the battle of the Somme concerning operational strategy and tactics. In addition to outlining the arguments of key works that have touched on this topic I will be attempting to assess the causes behind the many changes that have taken place from 1918 to the present day (2012). In particular, I will be focusing on what strategic principles or lessons those dealing with the Somme have attempted to take from the events of 1916, and how they too changed over time. The impact of both the professionalisation of British academic history as well as the wider intellectual challenges to historical study will also be addressed through this study.'

Ok that will do for now. I am not at all happy with it, perhaps I will mull it over further in the gym and come back and edit it into oblivion.