LetsFly<Snipped quote by KnightShade>
I do really enjoy her, and I've been searching for at least an audiobook reading of her other material but, alas, haven't found anything (for free (legally)). I suppose I could try out the other libraries in the area.
But from what I recall in her Lafayette book at least is that she admits to, and calls herself a visual historian of sorts. She doesn't write history solely on letters, diaries, and other records but has and will visit the relevant places to also include what might be learned there to add further depth, or add those little anecdotes that brings history forward.
You probably can't call her an academic historian in the same vein as others. But she at least makes it entertaining for people who are, or are not into history.
What's better is her dry voice adds a layer of casual sarcasm, since she performs her own audiobooks. If your uninitiated to her audio work, she voiced Violet in the Incredibles.
I think her 'visual' history (I'd say it was more geographic, but that's quibbling), is a real strength. Like when she couldn't find the house of the doctor who fixed Booth's leg, it illustrated the case that he'd been there before quite well. It also means her books can work as loose historical travel guides too.
Personally I would think of her as academic, she shines new light on old things after all. I'm sure a lot of historians would be snobby about that but communicating with the public is too often neglected by academics.
I found out she voiced Violet at the end of Assassination Vacation. I think she works on radio too so I'm sure her voice work is great. She's one of those people that I was surprised I hadn't heard of before, once I got into her.