- Paperback: 208 pages
- Publisher: Edinburgh University Press (30 Mar 2006)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0748619356
- ISBN-13: 978-0748619351
- Product Dimensions: 21.2 x 13.6 x 1.4 cm
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Amazon Bestsellers Rank:
122,548 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #30 in Books > History > Countries & Regions > Central America & Caribbean > 19th Century
- #60 in Books > History > North America > American Civil War
- See Complete Table of Contents
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Review
Kaufman moves elegantly and expertly from the actual events of the Civil War to its representation in all kinds of modern popular culture, from the labels of whisky bottles (one of which adorns his cover) to southern rock music, from bikinis to Playmobil figures... this is an exciting, wide-ranging and instructive book. -- Marion Gibson, University of Exeter European Journal of American Culture Will Kaufman's lively introduction to the Civil War's continuing culture wars is therefore a timely publication for those wondering why the Civil War still resonates in american culture... a vibrant and engaging study that conveys an enthusiasm for the subject that students, one hopes, will find infectious. -- Susan-Mary Grant, Newcastle University Journal of American Studies Some of the more hidden gems of Civil War culture, and thus keep the reader enthralled as to what new curiosities he will uncover next... an entertaining and revealing perspective on the ethos of the American Civil War. -- Tracy Rex, University of Wales American Studies Today An interesting, well-nuanced study of the imprints that the Civil war has made and continues to make on US culture. -- T. Marwell-Long, University of California State Journal of American Studies Required reading for anyone interested in topic of race and/or culture in the U.S. -- Gerri Gribi, Curator Journal of American Studies An excellent overview for scholars and advanced students alike ... an excellent reference guide. -- H-CivWar - Jim Flook, University of Florida H-Net Kaufman moves elegantly and expertly from the actual events of the Civil War to its representation in all kinds of modern popular culture, from the labels of whisky bottles (one of which adorns his cover) to southern rock music, from bikinis to Playmobil figures... this is an exciting, wide-ranging and instructive book. Will Kaufman's lively introduction to the Civil War's continuing culture wars is therefore a timely publication for those wondering why the Civil War still resonates in american culture... a vibrant and engaging study that conveys an enthusiasm for the subject that students, one hopes, will find infectious. Some of the more hidden gems of Civil War culture, and thus keep the reader enthralled as to what new curiosities he will uncover next... an entertaining and revealing perspective on the ethos of the American Civil War. An interesting, well-nuanced study of the imprints that the Civil war has made and continues to make on US culture. Required reading for anyone interested in topic of race and/or culture in the U.S. An excellent overview for scholars and advanced students alike ... an excellent reference guide.
Product Description
The Civil War is an event of great cultural significance, impacting upon American literature, film, music, electronic media, the marketplace and public performance. This book takes an innovative approach to this great event in American history, exploring its cultural origins and enduring cultural legacy. It focuses upon the place of the Civil War across the broad sweep of American cultural forms and practices and reveals important links between historical events and contemporary culture. The first chapter introduces a discussion of ante-bellum culture and the part cultural forces played in the sectional crisis that exploded into full-blown war in 1861. Subsequent chapters focus on particular themes, appropriations, interpretations and manifestations of the War as they have appeared in American culture. Particular topics include: * Confederate revivalism * the cultural uses of martyrdom * the centrality of race * the War's destabilisation of gender norms * the War's place in virtual and transnational culture The final chapter explores the Civil War's alternative histories and the cultural meanings of the word 'Appomattox'. The reader is presented with an accessible, concise discussion of the Civil War in its many cultural contexts. Key Features: * multidisciplinary study of the cultural legacy of the Civil War: in literature, film, music, computer games, the internet, role play, material culture, and civic demonstration * situates race at the heart of the discussion and challenges the culture of denial in which race and slavery are marginalised in Civil War remembrance * written in a lively narrative voice, deliberately jargon-free * offers innovative readings of well-known and unexplored cultural material
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5.0 out of 5 stars (1 customer review)
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Thought-provoking exploration of Civil War "culture", 2 Feb 2007
By AfroAmericanHeritage - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: The Civil War in American Culture (British Association for American Studies (BAAS) Paperbacks) (Paperback)
This slim volume covers a LOT of territory. It explores and analyzes the pervasive influence of the American Civil War (or as it's known in some quarters, the War of Northern Aggression) on many aspects of culture, including literature, film, music, marketing, video games...and even overseas.
It covers so much territory in fact, that it's difficult to sum up in a review, so I'll just hit a few things which stand out in my mind.
It explores the roots of notions like "plantation nostalgia" (those good old days of happy slaves, the foundation of "Gone With the Wind" and "Song of the South") which were planted in the Antebellum years and grew to fruition during Reconstruction and after.
I particularly enjoyed the chapter on "Abe Lincoln's Mixed Reviews," which not only pits Lincoln's supporters against his detractors, but demonstrates how various politicians have called upon his spirit over the years to justify their actions or vilify others. (Or as the author puts it, the "What Would Lincoln Do?" syndrome.)
The chapter "Rebels, Inc." examines how Confederate images and icons have sold everything from whiskey to country music and t-shirts, and more subversively, the vision that "Southerner" doesn't include African Americans, even though in many cities they are the majority.
The chapter on Civil War re-enactors helped me understand how these folks manage to completely avoid any of the contentious political dimensions of the war, while focusing instead on authenticity of food, dress, weaponry, etc.
Other topics include the cultural uses of martyrdom, the centrality of race and slavery, the War's destabilization of gender norms, and alternative histories...that is, "What would have happened if the South had won?"
In short, I'm guessing this is NOT a book your uncle the Civil War buff will enjoy. But it's required reading for anyone interested in topics of race and/or culture in the U.S.
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