History and Material Culture: A Student's Guide to Approaching Alternative Sources

by Karen Harvey (Editor)

Sources are the raw material of history, but where the written word has traditionally been seen as the principal source, today historians are increasingly recognizing the value of sources beyond text. In History and Material Culture , Karen Harvey embarks upon a discussion about material culture – considering objects, often those found surrounding us in day to day life, as sources, which can help historians develop new interpretations and new knowledge about the past. Across ten chapters, different historians look at a variety of material sources from around the globe and across centuries to assess how such sources can be used to study history. While the sources are discussed from ‘interdisciplinary’ perspectives, each contributor examines how material culture can be approached from an historical viewpoint, and each chapter addresses its theme or approach in a way accessible to readers without expertise in the area. In her introduction, Karen Harvey discusses some of the key issues raised when historians use material culture, and suggests some basic steps for those new to these kinds of sources. Opening up the discipline of history to new approaches, and introducing those working in other disciplines to historical approaches, this book is the ideal introduction to the opportunities and challenges of researching material culture.

Genres: History, Art History

224 pages, Hardcover

First published March 10, 2009

Reviews

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

As is the case with most collections, some of the essays are stronger than others. Harvey does a nice job framing the collection, but there is a little unevenness among the contributors' works.

[Gretchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aimed more towards history students, this book covers basic methodologies of study material culture through examples. I liked it, but I'm not sure how helpful it was for an art history thesis, since I do need to remember that I'm getting an art history degree and should probably work that in there somewhere. Regardless, the book was quite readable and things were readily explained. Would certainly recommend to anyone who thought they might write a either a thesis or even a serious research paper using material culture approaches.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great anthology of essays to introduce history students to using objects as sources in their research. It provides examples of material culture from the East and West. Despite what a slim volume it is, it covers substantial ground.

[Dan Gorman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dry, but interesting ideas about using artifacts in history.