Tracing American Memories around the World

Abstract

Transnational American Memories is an ambitious book which unites concepts of Memory Studies with those of transnational American Studies. The contributions employ different approaches (e.g. historical, cultural, and literary criticism) to both fields of research and illustrate how interdisciplinary perspectives can broaden the understanding of individual and collective memory. The articles address particular sites and events in and related to the US as well as different media (e.g. text, film) and the processes in which they create and shape memory. The innovative contributions succeed in bringing Memory Studies beyond the focus on local or national sites without losing the idea of American national identity formation. Thus the book becomes particularly useful for scholars of American Studies, and those who focus on Memory Studies will find many turns and conclusions of the texts surprising and enriching.