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History from Things: Essays on Material Culture

F. Scott Fitzgerald

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History from Things: Essays on Material Culture

by Andy Couturier

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	12604 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	321 pages

History from Things: Essays on Material Culture is a collection of essays by some of the world's leading historians that explore the ways in which material culture can be used to understand the past. The essays in this volume range from studies of ancient Egyptian pottery to the history of the automobile, and they offer new insights into the social, cultural, and economic history of human societies.

The term "material culture" refers to the physical objects that humans create and use. These objects can range from simple tools to complex machines, and they can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, stone, metal, and plastic. Material culture is often studied by archaeologists and anthropologists, but it can also be a valuable source of information for historians.

The essays in History from Things demonstrate the many ways in which material culture can be used to understand the past. For example, in her essay "The Potter's Wheel and the Origins of Mass Production," Elizabeth Barber shows how the invention of the potter's wheel led to a revolution in the way that pottery was produced. This, in turn, had a major impact on the social and economic development of human societies.

In another essay, "The Automobile and the American Dream," David Nye explores the ways in which the automobile has shaped American society. Nye argues that the automobile has been a major force in the development of American suburbs, the growth of consumer culture, and the rise of environmentalism.

The essays in History from Things offer a fascinating glimpse into the ways in which material culture can be used to understand the past. These essays are essential reading for anyone who is interested in history, archaeology, anthropology, or sociology.

Additional Information

Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:

History from Things: Essays on Material Culture on Amazon
History from Things: Essays on Material Culture on the Harvard University Press website
Review of History from Things: Essays on Material Culture in The American Historical Review

History from Things: Essays on Material Culture

by Andy Couturier

4.7 out of 5