American Cultural History: A Very Short Introduction

American culture, which includes values, attitudes, beliefs, and myths, has gained prominence in American history. It has the power to represent or contest national, civic, and social identities, from the Boston Tea Party to the Dodgers, the blues to Andy Warhol, dime novels to Disneyland. This Very Short Introduction provides a chronological map of American culture, its thematic currents, and its creation by social groups, emphasizing the role of culture in shaping national identity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 168 pages
Publication date: 25 October 2018
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

In recent decades, culture has emerged as a significant force in shaping American history, surpassing its traditional role as a mere aspect of society. The United States, often portrayed as a nation of iconic figures such as Uncle Sam, cowboys, JFK, and Madonna, has become a symbol of cultural identity. Words and images, imbued with powerful meanings, have the ability to represent, challenge, and construct national, civic, and social identities. From the Boston Tea Party to the Dodgers, from the blues to Andy Warhol, dime novels to Disneyland, the history of American culture reveals how previous generations of Americans have envisioned themselves, their nation, and their relationship to the world and its peoples.

This Very Short Introduction offers a comprehensive chronological overview of American culture, highlighting its thematic currents and the diverse social groups that have contributed to its formation. It emphasizes the role of culture in shaping national identity, recognizing the diverse perspectives and experiences of Americans across various lines of race, class, gender, sexuality, religion, ethnicity, generation, and geography. By examining the stories and narratives that have shaped American culture, this introduction sheds light on the problems and possibilities of an American way of life.

Through its exploration of culture, this introduction invites readers to appreciate the richness and complexity of American society, recognizing the contributions of diverse individuals and groups in shaping the nation's cultural landscape. It serves as a valuable resource for students, scholars, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamic and evolving nature of American culture.

Weight: 132g
Dimension: 112 x 173 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780190200589