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Scholar Challenges Misrepresentation in 18th-Century History Debate

1/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

Scholar Joseph M. Adelman argues that historian Sean Wilentz misrepresents 18th-century Somerset case coverage in newspapers.
Adelman contends Wilentz relies on a single scholarly paper without proper citation, yielding misleading statistics.
He contrasts Wilentz's framing with that of historian Edmund Morgan, arguing both distort history for cultural ambition.
Adelman urges honest engagement with history and warns against tactics that grant authority to predominantly white male scholars.

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Story summary

Scholar Joseph M. Adelman argues that historian Sean Wilentz misrepresents 18th-century Somerset case coverage in newspapers.
Adelman contends Wilentz relies on a single scholarly paper without proper citation, yielding misleading statistics.
He contrasts Wilentz's framing with that of historian Edmund Morgan, arguing both distort history for cultural ambition.
Adelman urges honest engagement with history and warns against tactics that grant authority to predominantly white male scholars.