Deaf Heritage: A Narrative History of Deaf America

by Jack R. Gannon

Now, Jack R. Gannon’s original groundbreaking volume on Deaf history and culture is available once again. In Deaf A Narrative History of Deaf America , Gannon brought together for the first time the story of the Deaf experience in America from a Deaf perspective. Recognizing the need to document the multifaceted history of this unique minority with its distinctive visual culture, he painstakingly gathered as much material as he could on Deaf American life. The result is a 17-chapter montage of artifacts and information that forms an utterly fascinating record from the early nineteenth century to the time of its original publication in 1981. Deaf Heritage tracks the development of the Deaf community both chronologically and by significant subjects. The initial chapter treats the critical topics of early attempts at deaf education, the impact of Deaf and Black deaf teachers, the establishment of schools for the deaf, and the founding of Gallaudet College. Individual chapters cover the 1880s through the 1970s, mixing milestones such as the birth of the National Association of the Deaf and the work of important figures, Deaf and hearing, with anecdotes about day-to-day deaf life. Other chapters single out important facets of Deaf American Sign Language, Deaf Sports, Deaf artists, Deaf humor, and Deaf publications. The overall effect of this remarkable record, replete with archival photographs, tables, and lists of Deaf people’s accomplishments, reveals the growth of a vibrant legacy singular in American history.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Disability

520 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1981

Reviews

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is llooooonnnngggg - but it was worth it. A very comprehensive history on Deaf America. It becomes very evident while reading how important history, and the people who were involved, are in Deaf culture. There are many names of people throughout the book which can get tedious to read, but further instills the importance of that aspect of Deaf culture. Even just browsing through the pictures gives you a sense of Deaf history and their community. Overall I found it to be a very interesting book and I think will make a great "coffee table" book - although it is a little heavy being so thick : )

[Ricky Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack Gannon did do it all. This book has the wealth of Deaf history on people, education, civil rights, employment, accomplishments and many more. Highly recommended for anyone who is interested in exploring into the world of not-so-silent. This book is required to be on my shelf for the rest of my life.

[Brenda at MyShelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deaf History at it's best