The American historical imaginary : contested narratives of the past / Caroline Guthrie.

Author
Guthrie, Caroline [Browse]
Format
Book
Language
English
Published/​Created
New Brunswick : Rutgers University Press, [2023]
Description
vii, 151 pages : illustrations, maps ; 24 cm

Details

Subject(s)
Summary note
"In The American Historical Imaginary: Contested Narratives of the Past in Mass Culture Caroline Guthrie examines the American relationship to versions of the past that are known to be untrue and asks why do these myths persist, and why do so many people hold them so dear? To answer these questions, she examines popular sites where fictional versions of history are formed, played through, and solidified. From television's reality show winners and time travelers, to the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, to the movies of Quentin Tarantino, this book examines how mass culture imagines and reimagines the most controversial and painful parts of American history. In doing so, Guthrie explores how contemporary ideas of national identity are tied to particular versions of history that valorize white masculinity and ignores oppression and resistance. Through her explanation and analysis of what she calls the historical imaginary, Guthrie offers new ways of attempting to combat harmful myths of the past through the imaginative engagements they have dominated for so long"-- Provided by publisher.
Bibliographic references
Includes bibliographical references (pages 137-144) and index.
Contents
  • History's reality competitions
  • Time travel television series
  • American history at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom
  • European legacy and American future at Walt Disney World
  • Quentin Tarantino's alternate histories.
ISBN
  • 9781978818804 (paperback)
  • 1978818807 (paperback)
  • 9781978818811 (hardcover)
  • 1978818815 (hardcover)
LCCN
2022008510
OCLC
1330425702
Statement on language in description
Princeton University Library aims to describe library materials in a manner that is respectful to the individuals and communities who create, use, and are represented in the collections we manage. Read more...
Other views
Staff view