The Heritage Crusade and the Spoils of History
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Cambridge University Press
Published:13th May '98
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
A paperback edition of a critically-acclaimed 1998 study of the meaning and effects of 'Heritage'.
In this acclaimed 1998 book David Lowenthal explains the rise of the obsession with 'heritage' and the past, and examines its power for both good and evil.Heritage has burgeoned over the past quarter of a century from a small élite preoccupation into a major popular crusade. Everything from Disneyland to the Holocaust Museum, from the Balkan wars to the Northern Irish troubles, from Elvis memorabilia to the Elgin Marbles bears the marks of the cult of heritage. In this acclaimed 1998 book David Lowenthal explains the rise of this obsession with the past and examines its power for both good and evil.
'The invention of heritage is a fascinating story, and Lowenthal tells it with vigour, style and a Balzacian relish for detail … His racy style keeps us constantly on the move.' Roger Scruton, The Times
'Timely and provocative … brilliant and stimulating pyrotechnic.' Roy Strong, The Sunday Times
'A wealth of stories both true and amusing.' Grey Gowrie, The Daily Telegraph
'Perceptive and provocative … explores the many perversities of the heritage cult - and its absolute irresistibility.' Michael Kerrigan, The Scotsman
'Leads a brilliant dance through this jungle of cultural confusion, from the Holocaust Museum to Elvis Presley's shrine in Graceland.' Candida Lycett Green, The Sunday Express
'Brave, piquant and impressively broad-ranging.' Linda Colley, The Times Literary Supplement
ISBN: 9780521635622
Dimensions: 228mm x 152mm x 23mm
Weight: 600g
358 pages