American Mediterraneans: A Study in Geography, History, and Race

The "American Mediterranean" was a term used from the early 19th century to the 1970s to describe the region encompassing the Gulf-Caribbean and Southern California. This book explores the cultural work done by this comparative thinking, revealing a racialized history that appealed to race-neutral ideas and ideals.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 20 May 2022
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

The concept of the "American Mediterranean" has been explored by geographers, historians, novelists, and travel writers since the early 19th century, gaining popularity as a term of art and folk idiom. Initially coined by naturalist Alexander von Humboldt during his visit to the Gulf-Caribbean region in the early 19th century, the term was later applied to Southern California, earning it the moniker "Our Mediterranean, Our Italy!" While the term "American Mediterranean" may not be as widely used today in the United States, it was once prevalent in French, Spanish, and English as a way to describe a region with shared cultural characteristics. In her book, "American Mediterraneans," Susan Gillman delves into the cultural significance of this comparative thinking, examining how it has evolved over two centuries.

American Mediterraneans traces the geohistorical concept of the "American Mediterranean" from its early origins in the early 1800s, when Humboldt first introduced the term, to writers of the 1890s who reflected on the Pacific world of the California coast. It then extends to writers of the 1930s and 40s, who speculated on the political past and future of the Caribbean region. By following the term across disciplines and borders, American Mediterraneans uncovers a lesser-known racialized history that paradoxically appealed to a range of race-neutral ideas and ideals.

Throughout its journey, the term "American Mediterranean" has undergone various interpretations and adaptations. It has been used to describe the cultural similarities between the Mediterranean region and the Americas, highlighting shared traditions, languages, and landscapes. It has also been employed as a metaphor for the United States as a cultural crossroads, where different cultures and traditions intersect and blend.

However, the term has also been subject to criticism and debate. Some scholars argue that it perpetuates stereotypes and reinforces colonial narratives, suggesting that the Americas are simply a continuation of the Mediterranean world. Others argue that the term is too broad and lacks specificity, making it difficult to define and study.

Despite these challenges, the concept of the "American Mediterranean" continues to be of interest to scholars and researchers. It provides a valuable lens through which to examine the complex relationships between culture, geography, and history, and how they have shaped the development of the Americas. By exploring the racialized history of the term and its implications, "American Mediterraneans" contributes to our understanding of the diverse and complex cultural landscape of the United States and the wider world.

Dimension: 229 x 152 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226819662