Voices of Collective Remembering

by James V. Wertsch

Overview

This book draws on psychology, history, literary theory, semiotics, sociology, and political science to provide a comprehensive review of collective memory. It outlines a particular way that narratives produced by the modern state are consumed by individuals. These issues are examined with the help of examples from the transformation Russia has undergone as it entered its post-Soviet era. This is a case study of how a modern state can lose control of collective memory and how memory can be regenerated in unique ways.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521810500
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	07/15/2002
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	212
Product dimensions:	6.22(w) x 9.29(h) x 0.91(d)
Lexile:	1450L (what's this?)

Table of Contents

Introduction; 1. An encounter with collective memory; 2. Methodological preliminaries to the study of collective remembering; 3. Collective memory: a term in search of a meaning; 4. State production of official historical narratives; 5. Narrative dialogicality and narrative templates in the production of official collective memory; 6. The consumption of historical narratives; 7. Generational differences in collective remembering; Conclusion.

Editorial Reviews

Wertsch (arts and sciences, Washington U., St. Louis) outlines the meaning of collective memory, describes a particular approach to it that focuses on how narrative texts and other cultural tools mediate its functioning, and applies his ideas to a body of empirical evidence from Soviet and post-Soviet Russia. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews

"James Wertsch makes an important contribution to the current discussion of collective memory...The book should be of major interest, not only to scholars in these disciplines, which include sociology, anthropology, rhetoric, philosophy, and history, but also to educators whose work focuses on educational history and international education." Nancy Nelson, Louisiana State University, Slavic Review

"...a thought-provoking and ultimately productive approach to the study of collective remembering, and a worthy effort at clarifying some of the definitional vagueness besetting the cottage industry of memory studies." Journal of Modern History

"Wertsch's new book on collective remembering should be an essential read for anyone interested in memory research....In order to understand memory we must understand the interplay between individual and collective memory, how our own narratives (memories) develop through this interplay. Wertsch's book is well-written, thought-provoking, and should be recommended to all students of memory." Human Nature Review

"Wertsch's new book on collective remembering should be an essential read for anyone interested in memory research....In order to understand memory we must understand the interplay between individual and collective memory, how our own narratives (memories) develop through this interplay. Wertsch's book is well-written, thought-provoking, and should be recommended to all students of memory." Human Nature Review

"...a marvelous resource for those of us struggling with how to think about collective memory." Contemporary Sociology

"In this interesting sociocultural analysis, Wertsch explores the conceptual parameters, development, and transmission of collective memory." Choice

From the Publisher