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"Cullen's strength comes from his understanding of how the different strands of American society intertwine in imaginative, unpredictable ways … The shape and vitality of pop culture's next era will depend, at least in part, on commentators like Cullen."— Washington Post Book World «A thoroughly engaging look at American culture … Cullen's articulate prose is spiced with wicked wit and he loves a good story … Demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of complex cultural forces.»— Publishers Weekly "Reflecting both the strengths and weaknesses of an unusually dynamic area of historical scholarship, The Art of Democracy is one of the best surveys of the history of American popular culture."— Journal of American History «An exceptionally well-written and engrossing introduction to the nonelitist art forms of American popular culture … Highly recommended.»— Library Journal, starred review «Should be kept on hand to restore our faith in the things that matter to us.»— American Studies Popular culture has been a powerful force in the United States, resonating within the society as a whole and at the same time connecting disparate and even hostile constituencies. The novels of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the theater and minstrel shows of the mid-19th century, movies and the introduction of television and computers in the 20th century are the building blocks that Jim Cullen uses to show how unique and vibrant cultural forms overcame initial resistance and enabled historically marginalized groups to gain access to the fruits of society and recognition from the mainstream. This updated edition contains a new preface and final chapter which traces the history of contemporary computing from its World War II origins as a military tool to its widespread use in the late 20th century as a tool for the masses. Cullen shows how the computer is reshaping popular culture, and how that culture retains its capacity to surprise and disturb. The highly acclaimed first edition of The Art of Democracy won the 1996 Ray and Pat Brown Award for «Best Book,» presented by the Popular Culture Association.

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There is an extraordinary range of material in this anthology, from Lincoln’s Gettysburg address to a contemporary account of a visit from the Ku Klux Klan. The primary sources reproduced are both visual and written, and the secondary materials present a remarkable breadth and quality of relevant scholarship. Contains an extensive selection of writings and illustrations on the American Civil War Reflects society and culture as well as the politics and key battles of the Civil War Reproduces and links primary and secondary sources to encourage exploration of the material Includes editorial introductions and study questions to aid understanding

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A brief survey of U.S. history since the end of World War II, focusing on popular beliefs, fears, and hopes that have shaped American culture and history over the last eight decades. Explores the ways in which the American people’s perceptions of power were as significant as the realities of that power, and how popular beliefs shaped the events of post-WWII America Gives particular attention to mass media, the fine arts, and intellectual currents, exploring their role in American society Features “Culture Watch” chapter sidebars, which help students delve into particular classic works of American culture Intermixes political and social history along with cultural history to provide a comprehensive narrative

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Part research manual, part study guide, and part introduction to the study of history, Essaying the Past guides the reader through the nuts and bolts of producing good historical prose, offering key strategies and useful tips. Includes expert advice on writing about history, conducting good research, and learning how to think analytically Covers important topics such as framing questions, developing a strong introduction and topic sentences, choosing good evidence, and the crucial role of revision An annotated case study takes the reader through one student’s process of writing an essay and illustrates how strategies discussed in the book can be successfully implemented Six appendices cover the major issues facing students today, such as the dangers of plagiarism and the role of the internet

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A Short History of the Modern Media presents a concise history of the major media of the last 150 years, including print, stage, film, radio, television, sound recording, and the Internet. Offers a compact, teaching-friendly presentation of the history of mass media Features a discussion of works in popular culture that are well-known and easily available Presents a history of modern media that is strongly interdisciplinary in nature

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