Writing Material Culture History

Description

Writing Material Culture History examines the methodologies currently used in the historical study of material culture. Touching on archaeology, art history, literary studies and anthropology, the book provides history students with a fundamental understanding of the relationship between artefacts and historical narratives. The role of museums, the impact of the digital age and the representations of objects in public history are just some of the issues addressed in a book that brings together key scholars from around the world. A range of artefacts, including a 16th-century Peruvian crown and a 19th-century Alaskan Sea Lion overcoat, are considered, illustrating the myriad ways in which objects and history relate to one another. Bringing together scholars working in a variety of disciplines, this book provides a critical introduction for students interested in material culture, history and historical methodologies.

Anne Gerritsen is Reader in Chinese History at the University of Warwick, UK. Giorgio Riello is Professor of Global History and Culture at the University of Warwick, UK.

A welcome contribution to studies of material culture ... The plurality [of the chapters] comprises the key strength of the volume. * Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute * An impressively well-illustrated volume. * European History Quarterly * With its great range of disciplines and examples, this is an excellent addition to the Writing Histories series, and an informative and scholarly guide to the expanding academic study of objects. * Textile History *