Securing the Past: Conservation in Art, Architecture and Literature

Description

We all have a stake in the past and in its tangible preservation, and we trust professionals to preserve our cultural heritage for the future. However, restoration in all its forms is entangled in many contemporary theoretical debates and problems. This book is the first concerted effort to examine together the linked philosophies of the different arts of preserving and uncovering the past: the restoration of buildings, conservation of works of art, and editing of literary works to retrieve their original or intended texts. By investigating a series of recent crises in each of these areas, Securing the Past shows how their underlying justifications relate closely to one another. Paul Eggert shows how they have been philosophically undermined by postmodern theories and charts another, richer way forward to a new future for the past.

Paul Eggert is Professor of English at the University of New South Wales at ADFA.

'... [a] stimulating study ...' Contemporary Review '... interplay between theory and practice ... now leads Eggert to examine, from an unusually wide perspective and with solid historical-philosophical foundations, the interrelation between the three disciplines of art, architecture and literature ...' Paolo Italia, Ecdotica 'There is so much to consider in this volume that the journey will be much more interesting than any final word. It is a volume to be highly recommended. I look forward to seeing Eggert's work being picked up and debated in those professional forums where it can make most impact.' Robyn Sloggett, Director of the Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation, University of Melbourne