Craftways: On the Organization of Scholarly Work

Craftways: On the Organization of Scholarly Work is a book by Aaron Wildavsky, which was first published in 1979. Wildavsky was a political scientist and professor at the University of California, Berkeley. He wrote several books on public policy, institutional analysis, and cultural theory. Craftways was one of his early works, which deals with the ways in which scholars organize their research and writing.

The book argues that the craft of scholarship is based on a set of conventions and practices that have developed over time. These practices include the use of footnotes and references, the careful documentation of sources, the rigorous analysis of data, and the formal presentation of arguments. Wildavsky calls these practices "craftways" and argues that they are essential for the production of high-quality scholarly work.

Wildavsky also discusses the challenges that scholars face in organizing their work. He notes that the process of research and writing can be messy and unpredictable, and that scholars often struggle to manage their time and resources effectively. He suggests that scholars need to develop their own personal craftways, which reflect their individual strengths and weaknesses.

Overall, Craftways is a thought-provoking book that offers insights into the nature of scholarly work. It is written in a clear and engaging style, and is designed to be accessible to a wide audience. The book is still relevant today, despite having been written over 40 years ago, and is recommended for anyone who is interested in the craft and practice of scholarship. Description by ChatGPT.