Mikki is writing an essay about the effects of the Chicago fire of 1871, and she is using Jim Murphy’s The Great Fire in her research. Why is this book considered a credible source?

Question

It includes firsthand accounts of the fire and its aftermath.
It includes only facts from people who were there and no opinions.
It was written by an author who experienced the fire himself.
It was written by a single author, not multiple authors.

Answer 1

The book is considered a credible source primarily because it includes firsthand accounts of the fire and its aftermath. Firsthand accounts provide direct evidence and personal experiences related to the event, which enhances the reliability and authenticity of the information presented in the book. Nonetheless, it's important to note that while firsthand accounts are valuable, a well-rounded analysis also considers multiple perspectives, including contextual information and interpretations, which might involve some opinions.