The New American West in Literature and the Arts: A Journey Across Boundaries

The American West is a story of a journey, a movement, and a transition. This collection of essays explores the traveling essence of the myth from different geographical and disciplinary standpoints, proposing a cross-cultural, transdisciplinary dialogue to contribute to the delineation of the New American West.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 284 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The American West is a tale of exploration and transformation, a story of movement and change that has shaped the region's geography and culture. It is a journey that has crossed boundaries, both physically and intellectually, feeding and challenging the myth that has come to define the American West. This collection of essays explores the idea of the traveling essence of the American West from various geographical and disciplinary perspectives.

The volume originated in Europe, specifically Spain, where the myth traveled, was received, assimilated, and re-presented. It seeks to embark on a two-way cross-cultural journey back to the West, aiming to contribute to the delineation of the New and ever-evolving American West. The essays in this volume feature the work of authors from both sides of the Atlantic Ocean, engaging in a cross-cultural, interdisciplinary dialogue about the idea, geography, and representation of the American West.

The American West has a rich and complex history, shaped by a variety of factors, including the arrival of European explorers, the expansion of slavery, and the development of the cattle industry. The region has been home to a diverse range of cultures and ethnic groups, each leaving their imprint on the landscape and culture.

One of the key themes in the essays in this collection is the idea of the American West as a place of myth and legend. The myth of the American West has been perpetuated by Hollywood movies, Western literature, and popular culture, often portraying the region as a place of rugged individualism, frontier justice, and endless opportunity. However, the essays in this collection challenge this narrative by exploring the darker side of the West's history, including the exploitation of Native Americans, the treatment of women, and the environmental degradation caused by industrialization.

Another theme in the essays is the idea of the American West as a place of cultural diversity and hybridity. The region has been home to a wide range of ethnic groups, including Native Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans, and European immigrants. These groups have brought with them their own unique cultures, languages, and traditions, which have been blended and transformed in the West. The essays in this collection explore the ways in which these cultural differences have shaped the region's identity and culture, as well as the challenges and opportunities that have arisen

The essays in this collection also address the issue of representation in the American West. The region has often been portrayed as a homogenous and monolithic entity, with a single narrative that dominates popular culture. However, the essays in this collection challenge this narrative by exploring the diversity of experiences and perspectives within the West. The authors argue that the American West is a complex and multifaceted region that cannot be reduced to a single story or narrative.

In conclusion, the story of the American West is a tale of exploration and transformation, a story of movement and change that has shaped the region's geography and culture. This collection of essays explores the idea of the traveling essence of the American West from various geographical and disciplinary perspectives, challenging and expanding our understanding of this iconic region.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367521660