Remaking America: Public Memory, Commemoration, and Patriotism in the Twentieth Century

by John Bodnar

Overview

In a compelling inquiry into public events ranging from the building of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial through ethnic community fairs to pioneer celebrations, John Bodnar explores the stories, ideas, and symbols behind American commemorations over the last century. Such forms of historical consciousness, he argues, do not necessarily preserve the past but rather address serious political matters in the present.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780691216188
Publisher:	Princeton University Press
Publication date:	07/21/2020
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	312
File size:	29 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

John Bodnar is Professor of History at Indiana University. His books include The Transplanted: A History of Immigrants in Urban America (Indiana) and Workers' World: Kinship, Community, and Protest in an Industrial Society (Johns Hopkins).

Editorial Reviews

Ideally, public recognition of a national past would include society's diverse elements in commemorative activities. Or so asserts University of Indiana history professor Bodnar in this relevant, readable social history. But as he tells it, the rise of an American industrial and cultural elite during the 20th century was accompanied by consolidation of a nation-state, federally strengthened by the two world wars and by the Cold War. The author charges that the U.S. employs symbols of ``pride and patriotism'' with which it seeks to unite citizens and preserve the political interests of its dominant social and economic class. However, notes Bodner, official interpretation of the past and present is now being challenged by racial, immigrant ethnic, regional and local interests, and by others seeking personal identification within the public memory. ``The present,'' the author concludes, ``is no longer seen as something that emerged neatly and purposefully from the past.'' Illustrations not seen by PW. (Feb.)

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

"Mr. Bodnar treats his highly controversial subject matter in a factual and evenhanded manner. And given the precariousness of nationality in recent times, interest in the subject of this important study is sure to increase."—-Ray Oldenburg, The New York Times Book Review

"Bodnar has made an insightful contribution to a lively area of contemporary cultural studies.... Anyone interested in the social meaning of public ceremonials will want to come to terms with this thoughtful book."—-Paul Boyer, American Historical Review

From the Publisher

Bodnar has made an insightful contribution to a lively area of contemporary cultural studies.... Anyone interested in the social meaning of public ceremonials will want to come to terms with this thoughtful book.

American Historical Review - Paul Boyer

Mr. Bodnar treats his highly controversial subject matter in a factual and evenhanded manner. And given the precariousness of nationality in recent times, interest in the subject of this important study is sure to increase.

The New York Times Book Review - Ray Oldenburg

Bodnar has made an insightful contribution to a lively area of contemporary cultural studies.... Anyone interested in the social meaning of public ceremonials will want to come to terms with this thoughtful book.
— Paul Boyer

American Historical Review

Mr. Bodnar treats his highly controversial subject matter in a factual and evenhanded manner. And given the precariousness of nationality in recent times, interest in the subject of this important study is sure to increase.
— Ray Oldenburg

The New York Times Book Review