The Oxford Handbook of Country Music

The Oxford Handbook of Country Music is a comprehensive resource that explores the history, practices, and interdisciplinary connections of country music. It provides an introduction to the field, interrogates prevailing narratives, and highlights significant gaps in the literature, offering guidance for future research.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 592 pages
Publication date: 24 March 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Country music studies, now in its sixth decade, is a vibrant and dynamic field of inquiry that encompasses a wide range of disciplines, including American history, folklore, sociology, anthropology, musicology, ethnomusicology, cultural studies, and geography. Scholars from these diverse fields come together to explore the rich tapestry of country music, its historical development, cultural significance, and its interactions with various social issues such as class, gender, and sexuality.

The Oxford Handbook of Country Music is a comprehensive resource that delves into the intricacies of country music studies. It serves as a critical examination of prevailing narratives, identifies significant gaps in the current literature, and offers guidance for future research. The Handbook goes beyond simply addressing the issues that have emerged within this subfield; it strives to connect country music studies to broader discourses within the various fields that inform it. By fostering interdisciplinarity, the Handbook aims to strengthen the area's interdisciplinary approach and provide a deeper understanding of country music's multifaceted nature.

The Handbook is authored by a team of esteemed scholars, both established and emerging, who bring their expertise and perspectives to the table. It offers an introduction into the historiographical narratives and methodological issues that have shaped country music studies during its first half-century. The chapters are organized in a logical and accessible manner, making it easy for readers to navigate the wealth of information presented.

One of the key strengths of the Handbook is its comprehensive coverage of various aspects of country music, including its historical roots, musical styles, performers, and cultural impact. The authors provide detailed accounts of the genre's evolution, its regional and regional variations, and its relationship with other musical traditions. They also explore the role of country music in shaping American identity, popular culture, and social movements.

In addition to its historical and cultural analysis, the Handbook also addresses the methodological challenges and ethical considerations involved in studying country music. The authors discuss the importance of interdisciplinary research, the use of primary sources, and the challenges of accessing and analyzing music recordings and other relevant materials. They also address the issue of representation and inclusivity in country music studies, recognizing the need to include diverse voices and perspectives in the field.

Another notable feature of the Handbook is its attention to the ways in which country music interacts with media and social concerns. The authors explore the genre's relationship with television, radio, film, and digital media, and how it has been used to promote or challenge social norms and values. They also examine the ways in which country music has been used to express and explore gender, sexuality, and identity, and how it has contributed to the broader discourse on these issues.

The Oxford Handbook of Country Music is a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in exploring the rich and complex world of country music. It provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to the field, offering insights into its historical development, cultural significance, and its interactions with various social issues. By fostering interdisciplinarity and promoting a deeper understanding of country music's multifaceted nature, the Handbook contributes to the ongoing development of country music studies and its place within the broader academic landscape.

Weight: 974g
Dimension: 172 x 248 x 37 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197619544