Here's why:
* Anthology (from Greek "anthos" meaning flower and "logos" meaning word or collection) literally means "collection of writings."
* It's a broad term used for collections of various literary works, often with a focus on a specific period, genre, theme, or author.
* Historical anthologies might focus on:
* Primary sources (letters, diaries, official documents)
* Secondary sources (historians' interpretations, essays)
* A specific historical event or period.
Examples of historical anthologies include:
* "The Norton Anthology of American Literature"
* "The Penguin Anthology of European Literature"
* "The Black Book: The Nazi Crime Against the Jews"
Other terms that might be used depending on the specific content include:
* Compilation: This implies a more straightforward gathering of sources.
* Reader: This term often implies a textbook-like collection for academic use.
* Symposium: A collection of articles from different scholars focused on a specific topic.