Scope and Spirit

A few months ago, the family of a noted historical figure contacted me.

They had lots of stories and personal memories to share. Was a writer of ours interested in speaking to them directly?

I emailed a writer who I thought might enjoy the project. “That’s okay,” came the answer. “I have a lot of written sources already. I don’t really need to speak to them.”

The response bothered me. When I read about a historical figure, of course I want the facts — the dates, the events, the context, the scope of their life and influence. But I want something else too (editors can want a lot of things). I want to feel like I “met” this person, as it were — to get a sense of his personality and character, hopes and dreams, doubts and drives. What could be better than speaking to people who knew him personally?