Visions of America since 1492
By: edited by Deborah L. Madsen.
Contributors: Madsen, Deborah L.
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Published: 1994
Place of publication: New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 164
Subjects: Group identity -- America -- History.; Public opinion -- Europe -- History.; America -- Civilization.; America -- Foreign public opinion, European -- History.
Description: "The common theme of these essays is the evolution of American cultural identities from a diverse colonial inheritance. Changing representations of what it means to be 'American' are assumed to be the consequence of shifting cross-cultural or transatlantic pressures. Since 1492 the experience of America has continually been interpreted both for and by Europeans; the colonial past constituting the prime source of introspective energies and self-conscious representations for all Americans." "The collection is divided into two sections, juxtaposing colonial negotiations with 'native' Americans and the modern self-perceptions of 'native-born' Americans. The focus of the early part of the book is the vision of America that was formed through the process of colonization - with its attendant impact upon wildlife, landscapes and indigenous peoples - a vision registered in visual images and written records, as well as Western philosophical, ethnographical and aesthetic ideals."--BOOK JACKET.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.