This is extraordinarily helpful - you can get feel for a primary source without having to find it in its entirety. Frequently, primary sources are published in collections or in thematic arrangements with introductions. The best and hardest way to write history is from primary sources. The further away a text is from the original actions, recorded by contemporaries, the deeds and thoughts recorded lose their freshness and immediacy. After all, novels are exciting for their attention to detail, their focus on action and consequence.
History is the story of murder, betrayal, love, greed, tenderness, and lofty goals for humanity.
How to find primary sources for historical research. Look in standard secondary and tertiary reference sources and look at their bibliographies. Look under names of the standard authors. Search for keywords. Try geographical, regional, and national names.