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United States of Americana: Backyard Chickens, Burlesque Beauties, and Handmade Bitters: A Field Guide to the New American Roots Movement – How Young ... Inspiration in Earlier Cultural Traditions
A field guide to the new American Roots movement, United States of Americana is a vivid, fascinating, and comprehensive survey of how and why young urban Americans are finding inspiration in the cultural traditions of an earlier time in many areas of contemporary life. Compiled by Seattle-based writer, DJ, and entertainer Kurt B. Reighley, United States of Americana explores this vibrant cultural phenomenon—from the music, to the clothing, to the food and drink, to the rebirth of home canning, straight razors, burlesque, and circuses.
256 pages, Paperback
First published August 18, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 24, 2011
Overview of modern youth-driven Americana: alt-country, burlesque, drink-mixing, knitting, vinyl records, and some less common topics like taxidermy. The author tries hard to establish why americana, retro-knowledge, and basic craft are important, and manages probably 80% of the time to keep from veering into Marie Antoinette-as-play-farmer-milking-the-freshly-washed-cows territory. I particularly liked the bit about the DJ who spins shellac and wax records on mechanical Edison players, dismissing all electronically amplified music as sounding like junk: that level of super-hipsterism is admirable.
October 15, 2010
Unique and enjoyable, this book is a survey of the contemporary DIY (do-it-yourself) movement in America (with some global threads), all at once a history, reference book, and how-to manual.
In 10 chapters, Reighley cuts a wide swath through sub-sub-cultures including backyard farming, handcrafting, fashion, taxidermy, and circuses.
He's is at his best when either describing the "how" in such subcultures (How to grow a handlebar mustache? How to raise chickens? How to make pickles?), or delving deep into such topics as "Americana" music, old-fashioned drinking, and handmade crafts--home-run stuff, here, freshly told and full of information.
At other times (in the middle chapters, particularly) the book verges towards merchandise catalogue--bespoke suits, selvage jeans, handmade shoes, bowler hats. Occasional editing problems also distract: for instance three introductions, in proximity, of Michael Williams blog A Continuous Lean. Perhaps the biggest error is the lack of an index, which to be fair only points out the utility of this "field guide." One really will want to look things up!
An example from p. 182 demonstrates why the few flaws are forgettable: Writes Reighley with typical humor and depth: "Taxidermy--from the Greek _taxis_ (arrangement) and _derma_ (skin) is a little more complicated than making a sock monkey, although in the early days, the techniques were more similar than one might imagine." On nearly every page are such absorbing and informative nuggets. (Speaking of: How to pan for gold? It's in there.)
The book is full of gorgeous illustrations by Aaron Bagley and informative sidebars (What's a Velocipede? What are spats? What is a Daguerreotype?). Mini-chapters explain some things in more depth: how to shop vintage; what are Root bitters; how to join the circus; the differences between knitting and crocheting.
The book itself is like Harry Smith's Anthology of American Music, a cabinet of curiosities (both topics covered), or a Joseph Cornell box: a slice in time and context that one can examine again and again, always finding something new and fascinating.
*
WHY I READ THIS BOOK: The author is my neighbor and colleague, someone I've booked to read and moderate literary programs over the years, as well as listened to on the radio and brainstormed various art projects with. If there is a person to write about so many D.I.Y. topics, it is Kurt. Not only does he know first-hand most of this subject matter, he is an indefatigable researcher, scrupulous for detail and facts. He also has a an awesomely wide range of interests, a keen intellect, and a dry wit--and when I heard that all of these things would be woven together in a book, I couldn't wait to read it.
In 10 chapters, Reighley cuts a wide swath through sub-sub-cultures including backyard farming, handcrafting, fashion, taxidermy, and circuses.
He's is at his best when either describing the "how" in such subcultures (How to grow a handlebar mustache? How to raise chickens? How to make pickles?), or delving deep into such topics as "Americana" music, old-fashioned drinking, and handmade crafts--home-run stuff, here, freshly told and full of information.
At other times (in the middle chapters, particularly) the book verges towards merchandise catalogue--bespoke suits, selvage jeans, handmade shoes, bowler hats. Occasional editing problems also distract: for instance three introductions, in proximity, of Michael Williams blog A Continuous Lean. Perhaps the biggest error is the lack of an index, which to be fair only points out the utility of this "field guide." One really will want to look things up!
An example from p. 182 demonstrates why the few flaws are forgettable: Writes Reighley with typical humor and depth: "Taxidermy--from the Greek _taxis_ (arrangement) and _derma_ (skin) is a little more complicated than making a sock monkey, although in the early days, the techniques were more similar than one might imagine." On nearly every page are such absorbing and informative nuggets. (Speaking of: How to pan for gold? It's in there.)
The book is full of gorgeous illustrations by Aaron Bagley and informative sidebars (What's a Velocipede? What are spats? What is a Daguerreotype?). Mini-chapters explain some things in more depth: how to shop vintage; what are Root bitters; how to join the circus; the differences between knitting and crocheting.
The book itself is like Harry Smith's Anthology of American Music, a cabinet of curiosities (both topics covered), or a Joseph Cornell box: a slice in time and context that one can examine again and again, always finding something new and fascinating.
*
WHY I READ THIS BOOK: The author is my neighbor and colleague, someone I've booked to read and moderate literary programs over the years, as well as listened to on the radio and brainstormed various art projects with. If there is a person to write about so many D.I.Y. topics, it is Kurt. Not only does he know first-hand most of this subject matter, he is an indefatigable researcher, scrupulous for detail and facts. He also has a an awesomely wide range of interests, a keen intellect, and a dry wit--and when I heard that all of these things would be woven together in a book, I couldn't wait to read it.
October 1, 2024
Few thoughts about this book:
Time capsule of late aughts hipster culture.
Gentrification handbook
Wow, kinda racist, tbh
Couldn't tell if the book was supposed to be tongue-in-cheek or serious
Super dated (published in 2010, read in 2022)
I picked this book up on a discount shelf in a book store, it was $5 - I definitely paid too much for it.
Time capsule of late aughts hipster culture.
Gentrification handbook
Wow, kinda racist, tbh
Couldn't tell if the book was supposed to be tongue-in-cheek or serious
Super dated (published in 2010, read in 2022)
I picked this book up on a discount shelf in a book store, it was $5 - I definitely paid too much for it.
Read
July 10, 2012Great book on American history and the new DIY movement.
May 24, 2020
Ultimately, I can’t deny that this was a very interesting concept for a book, especially with North American’s current mindset and economic factors. More people every day are turning to green alternatives, and looking back on how things used to be done before we became a throwaway society. The author clearly did a large amount of research before putting pen to paper, so to speak, and for that, I commend him.
It was, however, not what I was hoping for in a book. While some parts were definitely interesting, with a focus on the history behind things and an aspect of DIY, long portions of it were devoted to nothing more than profiles of companies that have weathered the blast and are still going strong after 100 years or more. Which is fine… if you don’t mind reading chapter after chapter of company profiles. I would have rather seen a few more profiles of up-and-comers, people or small companies who were really getting into the DIY spirit and making their own clothes, perhaps, instead of relying on other people to do it for them. Reighley acknowledges that DIY is an essential part of the movement, but ignores a golden opportunity to showcase that.
Certainly, “buy American” is part of the culture as well, but if you actually get down to the grass roots, you’ll see a great number of people who are more interested in doing for themselves instead of letting others do for them. It’s a fine line to walk, but I wish Reighley had looked a little deeper into that instead of presenting a few food vendors and letting that be the end of it.
That being said, I did learn quite a bit, not just from the various and sundry pieces of trivial commentary that Reighley throws in but also from the sections not devoted to CEO interviews and product reviews. Though I’m not much of a drinker, the section on alcohol fascinated me, and taught me things I didn’t even know I didn’t know. There were good tips on preserving food, too.
I particularly like that he admitted that Canada exists, even if it was only as a minor footnote. Let’s face it, Canada’s got as many DIY back-to-earth sustainability as America does, but many people ignore that and act as though America’s the only one that can, and thus does, bother with it. Which is just untrue. Even if it’s just a footnote, I’m glad that Reighley acknowledged that “North Americana” might actually be a better term to use for some things.
It was, however, not what I was hoping for in a book. While some parts were definitely interesting, with a focus on the history behind things and an aspect of DIY, long portions of it were devoted to nothing more than profiles of companies that have weathered the blast and are still going strong after 100 years or more. Which is fine… if you don’t mind reading chapter after chapter of company profiles. I would have rather seen a few more profiles of up-and-comers, people or small companies who were really getting into the DIY spirit and making their own clothes, perhaps, instead of relying on other people to do it for them. Reighley acknowledges that DIY is an essential part of the movement, but ignores a golden opportunity to showcase that.
Certainly, “buy American” is part of the culture as well, but if you actually get down to the grass roots, you’ll see a great number of people who are more interested in doing for themselves instead of letting others do for them. It’s a fine line to walk, but I wish Reighley had looked a little deeper into that instead of presenting a few food vendors and letting that be the end of it.
That being said, I did learn quite a bit, not just from the various and sundry pieces of trivial commentary that Reighley throws in but also from the sections not devoted to CEO interviews and product reviews. Though I’m not much of a drinker, the section on alcohol fascinated me, and taught me things I didn’t even know I didn’t know. There were good tips on preserving food, too.
I particularly like that he admitted that Canada exists, even if it was only as a minor footnote. Let’s face it, Canada’s got as many DIY back-to-earth sustainability as America does, but many people ignore that and act as though America’s the only one that can, and thus does, bother with it. Which is just untrue. Even if it’s just a footnote, I’m glad that Reighley acknowledged that “North Americana” might actually be a better term to use for some things.
March 3, 2018
What a fun book! It's a little dated now, but I enjoyed it anyway. It was written with the care and detail only a journalist could bring - facts, figures, statistics, and lots of great short interviews with all of his sources. Being a boomer, it's not my first go-round with Americana, and I was amused that there are people who think buying quality is a Brand New Thing.
September 15, 2017
This is what would happen if Whole Earth Catalog collaborated with Robb Report. Interesting to see someone try to draw an overarching theme across so many subcultures; I don't think these interests is as nationalistic as the title implies.
December 26, 2024
While I enjoyed the book, there was definitely a lack of women in some of the sections. I know they are doing things in the spaces covered so that was a bit disappointing. But, overall, the book was interesting.
February 1, 2022
Interesting and entertaining.
September 8, 2022
Nothing could be more timely than The United States of Americana although it was published ten years ago. As we enter this new decade accompanied by a pandemic and an almost worldwide shutdown--have you tried to buy a thermometer lately?--nothing resonates more than how to Do It Yourself.
In 2010 Kurt B. Reighley wrote about people who pursued handmade quality and made things on their own because of a backlash against cheap and sloppy products. Companies like Alden's Shoes, Scrappy's Bitters, and Woolrich were singled out as purveyors of merchandise that was crafted with care. Reighley also gave instructions on DIY--How to Join a Circus, How to Play the Washboard, How to Make a Sazerac (or The Bronx.)
The result is a book that's fun to read and is downright inspirational. Yes, you too can preserve your own food without fear of botulism! You can practice the art of taxidermy, host a quilting bee, grow the ideal mustache, start a backyard chicken farm--Reighley will give you pointers, if not exact instructions.
He'll provide you with helpful aphorisms: "The ability to accessorize is what separates man from beast." And beyond a doubt, he'll convince you that the ability to learn new skills in a time of dire necessity is what separates the quick from the dead. So go ahead. Read The United States of Americana and transform Shelter In Place to a 21st Century Renaissance. As Reighley concludes, it's a way "to become greater as individuals and as a society."
In 2010 Kurt B. Reighley wrote about people who pursued handmade quality and made things on their own because of a backlash against cheap and sloppy products. Companies like Alden's Shoes, Scrappy's Bitters, and Woolrich were singled out as purveyors of merchandise that was crafted with care. Reighley also gave instructions on DIY--How to Join a Circus, How to Play the Washboard, How to Make a Sazerac (or The Bronx.)
The result is a book that's fun to read and is downright inspirational. Yes, you too can preserve your own food without fear of botulism! You can practice the art of taxidermy, host a quilting bee, grow the ideal mustache, start a backyard chicken farm--Reighley will give you pointers, if not exact instructions.
He'll provide you with helpful aphorisms: "The ability to accessorize is what separates man from beast." And beyond a doubt, he'll convince you that the ability to learn new skills in a time of dire necessity is what separates the quick from the dead. So go ahead. Read The United States of Americana and transform Shelter In Place to a 21st Century Renaissance. As Reighley concludes, it's a way "to become greater as individuals and as a society."
February 13, 2011
A great survey of the recent revival of American folk traditions. The chapter on music would be particularly informative for anyone wanting to explore the roots of American music. My only criticism would be that it would have been nice to see a chapter dedicated to women's fashion (it focuses mainly on the guys, probably due the author's gender) and a little more delving into the psychology as to why folk are returning to the practices/sounds etc. of yesteryear. Overall, the book is very entertaining (Reighley's a funny guy), educative and accompanied with lovely illustrations by Aaron Bagley.
May 23, 2015
Meant to just skim this book but ended up sitting down with it several days in a row. Interesting and informative if you're just on a nodding basis with the idea of the American Roots movement, but probably old hat if you're an active participant. The fashions detailed are overwhelmingly masculine as some critics have said; a little more info on how women might dapper themselves up would be nice but isn't necessary. Finally, since this proposes to be a field guide I would have liked to see a broader range of vendors, performers etc., listed in the back. Possibly broken down by region as well?
August 20, 2011
United States of Americana is interesting in that it talks about lots of aspects of American history. There's(and I quote): philosophy and history, new old-fashioned eating, cocktails and spirits, grooming, fashion and apparel, leatherwork and accessories, music (don't be fooled by the short title; it's the longest chapter in the book), design and decor, crafts and the d.i.y. handmade movement, and the lively arts. Very interesting. The only fault I can find with this book is that the author seems to have done a tad too much research. Everywhere there are references to what people did or are doing in relation to Americana. No one could absorb all the knowledge that is in this book.
September 1, 2012
Interesting book! Gives a good overview about the impetus behind DIY and Americana and an informative look at the particulars of various aspects of it (music, drinking, shoes, etc). A little short on criticism of it (i.e. this is mostly for white people with a lot of disposable income, or at least it's perceived that way; these kinds of businesses are worthwhile reactions against places like Walmart, but they also speed up gentrification of neighborhoods), but a good introduction to the situation.
January 29, 2011
Very good over all (if a bit preaching to the choir in my case) - a nice guide to the 'back to the roots' movement that has swept parts of the US in recent years. The chapter on the roots of american music is a particularly valuable primer. The vintage cocktail recipes in the drinks chapter will come in handy as well. My only complaint that the book as a whole was very Brooklyn-San Francisco-Portland-Seattle-centric.
November 26, 2012
This book fully encompasses the movement that allows us all to do things for ourselves, learn a skill, and appreciate the simplicity of everything from food to fashion. Resources and examples are heavily based on the PNW experience, however, a nod is given to the DIY/old-is-new culture throughout the US.
Good read, well worth the time even if you consider yourself "front and center" in what is termed the American roots movement.
Good read, well worth the time even if you consider yourself "front and center" in what is termed the American roots movement.
March 27, 2014
Fast easy read for those interesting in re-discovering the roots of low volume (relatively speaking) goods of all types. Interesting from historical and practical perspective. Book made me want to visit Brooklyn, next time in NYC. Aiuthor is from Seattle so there is an emphasis on Pacific Northwest.
July 7, 2013
I enjoyed so much about this book, I just wish it hadn't felt as though it was all so crammed together. I think the author had so much knowledge in each subject that it felt rushed to get it all in- especially in the music section. It was an engaging and interesting read, but I wish there had been more time for each subject.
March 29, 2011
I just could not get through this book. While there were some interesting facts, it was dominated with hipster drivel and quotes from people in bands that had nothing to do with the actual stuff he was writing about. Namedropping at its worst.
May 10, 2011
An interesting read, but I feel like the author relies very heavily on a few sources, so that at some points it feels like he's pitching for a specific website or author rather than exploring what he claims is a growing movement.
October 14, 2011
some good stories but the book doesn't fully embrace the narrative potential in the subject matter and rather opts for more of an around-the-horn survey of the Americana trend. Works better as a resource for anyone interested in Americana purveyors than a lean-back read.
September 3, 2011
A how-to book for hipsters who know nothing about American history. One of the things I can say in this book's favor is that the author reinforces the fact that a martini is made with gin.
June 4, 2012
3.5/5: Some chapters are definitely better/more thoroughly-researched than others, but it paints a nice overall picture of some interesting movements in contemporary culture.
October 14, 2012
Made me want to try a handle bar mustache, but my wife vetoed it.
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January 3, 2013pickles. carhartts. mustaches. folk music. burlesque. the end.
November 3, 2013
Interesting little survey of the "so old it's hip" trends of late.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews