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I propose to bring together an anthology of original research that will showcase the range and diversity within the field of Cultural History of American Warfare. Martial experiences and the mythologies that surround them have profoundly impacted the ways in which Americans think of themselves. Through the lens of cultural history, however, we have learned that rather than evolving in some organic or haphazard manner, these powerful mythologies represent deliberately constructed inventions. Cultural historians strive to unveil these fictions and probe the varied ways in which culture makers have grappled with the trauma of war, salvaged meaning from the meaningless, or advanced some ulterior agenda.
I seek essays that examine cultural expressions of war throughout the American experience—ideally from the seventeenth through twentieth centuries—and I encourage authors to embrace a broad definition of Cultural History of American Warfare. Potential authors should explore the martial symbologies and emblems of war that permeate American culture by examining not only traditional historical sources but also works of fiction, poetry, art, music, material culture, etc. While acknowledging the achievements of such fields, contributors to this anthology should distinguish their work from military history (battlefield, operational, institutional, strategic history), American Society and War (formerly the New Military History that discusses the social, power relationships of class, race, gender, state, etc.), and Warfare and Culture (the impact of culture upon operational, institutional, strategic history). I invite proposals from both established and emerging scholars working within the fields of cultural history, military studies, literary criticism, art history, American studies, and others that may offer new and surprising lessons from their explorations of the American war experience.
Interested parties should submit an abstract of no more than 300 words and an abbreviated c.v., by Jan 30, 2010, at which time I will begin making final selections. Submitting authors should be prepared to provide a finished article of about 8,000 words, including notes (approx. 25 pages) by Sep 1, 2010, written for graduate and undergraduate, professional and non-specialized readers. I welcome all inquiries, and I prefer electronic submissions to the email address below as a Word or Word Perfect attachments.
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