Borderwaters: Amid the Archipelagic States of America

The United States is often described as a continental country, but since the late twentieth century, it has claimed more water space than land space and borders twenty-one countries, particularly in the Pacific and Caribbean archipelagoes. In his book "Borderwaters," Brian Russell Roberts challenges the continental national mythologies and presents an alternative image of the United States as an archipelagic nation. Roberts uses literature, visual art, and other expressive forms to remap US geography and discuss US culture.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 392 pages
\n Publication date: 28 May 2021
\n Publisher: Duke University Press
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The conventional narrative portrays the United States as a continental nation, bordered by Canada and Mexico. However, a remarkable shift has occurred since the late twentieth century, with the United States claiming a greater expanse of water than land. In fact, it surpasses the water space of many other countries globally. This watery version of the United States extends its borders to twenty-one countries, particularly in the Pacific and Caribbean archipelagoes. In his book "Borderwaters," Brian Russell Roberts challenges the prevailing continental national mythologies and presents a fresh perspective on the United States. Roberts draws upon a diverse range of literature, visual art, and expressive forms, including works by Mark Twain, Zora Neale Hurston, Indigenous testimonies against nuclear testing, and the visual representations of Miguel Covarrubias. Through these diverse sources, Roberts remaps both the fundamental geography of the United States and the foundations of how we discuss its culture. He reveals the country as an archipelagic nation, interconnected by waterways and shaped by its marine environment. By challenging the traditional understanding of the United States as a land-based entity, Roberts offers a new lens through which to appreciate its diverse geography, history, and cultural heritage. "Borderwaters" serves as a valuable contribution to the field of geography and cultural studies, providing a fresh perspective on the United States and its place in the world.

\n Weight: 576g\n
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 27 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781478011859\n \n