This text investigates how historians can effectively incorporate material objects into their research to broaden the scope of historical inquiry. Karen Harvey, a scholar specializing in cultural history, provides a methodological framework for analyzing non-textual evidence. She argues that physical artifacts—ranging from household items to clothing—serve as primary sources that reveal social, economic, and cultural dynamics often absent from written records.

Scholars and students frequently cite this guide as a foundational text for those looking to expand their research beyond traditional documents. The prose is noted for its clarity and accessibility, making it a standard resource in undergraduate and graduate history curricula.