Thanksgiving: The Biography of an American Holiday (Revisiting

Thanksgiving: The Biography of an American Holiday (Revisiting New England)
- Used Book in Good Condition
In this, the first in-depth study of the most American of holidays, James Baker sweeps away lingering myths and misconceptions to show how this celebration day was born and grew to be an essential part of our national spirit. Thanksgiving: The Biography of an American Holiday opens with an overview of the popular mythos of the holiday before discussing its possible religious and cultural precedents. This classic Yankee holiday is examined in historical and contemporary detail that embraces everything from proclamations, sermons, and local and regional traditions to family reunions, turkey dinners, and recipes. Thanksgivingâ€™s evolving face is illustrated with charming and often revealing period prints that chart our changing attitudes: the influence of Victorian sentiment in Thanksgivingâ€™s development, Progressive utilitarianism, intellectual â€œdebunking,â€ patriotic wartime reclamation, and 1960s-era protest. Thanksgiving remains controversial up to the present day, as Mayflower descendants, Native Americans, and commercial exploiters compete for the American publicâ€™s opinion of the holidayâ€™s contemporary significance and its future status. This is an intelligent and illuminating introduction to a beloved holiday and a fascinating cultural history of America and Americana.

Country	USA
Brand	University of New Hampshire Press
Manufacturer	University of New Hampshire Press
Binding	Paperback
ItemPartNumber	9781584658016
UnitCount	1
Format	Illustrated
EANs	9781584658016
ReleaseDate	0000-00-00

Thanksgiving: The Biography of an American Holiday (Revisiting New England)