One of my favorite books that opened my eyes into how to read historical writings—specifically the Bible—is Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes: Removing Cultural Blinders to Better Understand the Bible. Brandon J. O'Brien and E. Randolph Richards explain how what we read must be interpreted by the culture and knowledge of the intended audience. Mr. Richards went on to write Misreading Scripture with Individualist Eyes, Patronage, Honor, and Shame in the Biblical World along with Richard James where he expanded on how very different the Bible readers expectations and beliefs were and how we with our western view point often completely miss the point. It is what "went without saying" that is vital to know. The locals of the day all knew it, but we have no idea. I strongly recommend you check out these books.
But this principle applies to all historical writing, and even contemporary writing from another culture. We often call it propaganda or fake news, but many times it is just something written from a different perspective or from a group with a different set of values.
Someday historians will look back at what is being written today, or re-written and be completely confused why we are so focused on reparations, racial equality, and gender neutrality when our world is facing so many more serious threats. "What were they thinking?" will be the big question they will ask. What are we thinking?
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