The Cambridge Handbook of Material Culture Studies

A fresh and comprehensive account of 21st century approaches to material culture, exploring and challenging disciplinary boundaries.

With contributions from leading international scholars, this Handbook gives students and scholars a comprehensive view of the field of material culture, its developments, methodologies and theories. Presenting research from around the world, it focuses on multiple material and digital media that show the scope and breadth of this exciting field.Material culture studies is an interdisciplinary field that examines the relationships between people and their things: the production, history, preservation, and interpretation of objects. It draws on theory and practice from disciplines in the social sciences and humanities, such as anthropology, archaeology, history, and museum studies. Written by leading international scholars, this Handbook provides a comprehensive view of developments, methodologies and theories. It is divided into five broad themes, embracing both classic and emerging areas of research in the field. Chapters outline transformative moments in material culture scholarship, and present research from around the world, focusing on multiple material and digital media that show the scope and breadth of this exciting field. Written in an easy-to-read style, it is essential reading for students, researchers and professionals with an interest in material culture.