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Pierrot and his world: Art, theatricality, and the marketplace in France, 1697–1945
by Marika Takanishi KnowlesPierrot, a theatrical stock character known by his distinctive costume of loose white tunic and trousers, is a ubiquitous figure in French art and culture. This richly illustrated book offers an account of Pierrot’s recurrence in painting, printmaking, photography and film, tracing this distinctive type from the art of Antoine Watteau to the cinema of Occupied France. As a visual type, Pierrot thrives at the intersection of theatrical and marketplace practices. From Watteau’s Pierrot (c. 1720) and Édouard Manet’s The Old Musician (1862) to Nadar and Adrien Tournachon’s Pierrot the Photographer (1855) and the landmark film Children of Paradise (1945), Pierrot has given artists a medium through which to explore the marketplace as a form for both social life and creative practice. Simultaneously a human figure and a theatrical mask, Pierrot elicits artistic reflection on the representation of personality in the marketplace.
Pierrot and his world: Art, theatricality, and the marketplace in France, 1697–1945
by Marika Takanishi KnowlesPierrot, a theatrical stock character known by his distinctive costume of loose white tunic and trousers, is a ubiquitous figure in French art and culture. This richly illustrated book offers an account of Pierrot’s recurrence in painting, printmaking, photography and film, tracing this distinctive type from the art of Antoine Watteau to the cinema of Occupied France. As a visual type, Pierrot thrives at the intersection of theatrical and marketplace practices. From Watteau’s Pierrot (c. 1720) and Édouard Manet’s The Old Musician (1862) to Nadar and Adrien Tournachon’s Pierrot the Photographer (1855) and the landmark film Children of Paradise (1945), Pierrot has given artists a medium through which to explore the marketplace as a form for both social life and creative practice. Simultaneously a human figure and a theatrical mask, Pierrot elicits artistic reflection on the representation of personality in the marketplace.
Piety and Politics in Qajar Iran: The Takkiyya Mu’avin al-Mulk in Kermanshah (British Institute of Persian Studies)
by Nahid Massoumeh AssemiThe Takkiyya Mu'avin al-Mulk is a building complex in the city of Kermanshah in western Iran, dedicated to the annual commemoration of the martyrdom of Husayn ibn 'Ali at the Battle of Karbala in 680, an event of seminal significance to Shi'i Islam. Private takkiyyas built by social elites were a phenomenon of the Qajar period, with their construction motivated by a political quest for legitimacy. This book examines the intersection of art and architecture, popular piety, and the politics of legitimation. Through an examination of the building and its decorative programme, it addresses issues of patronage, Shi'i iconography and popular religious practices during the early 20th century in Iran. It further argues for the role of takkiyyas in creation of a sense of community and group identity; the formative stage of the emergent idea of nationhood at the time, amongst those who frequented them.
Pinewood: Anatomy of a Film Studio in Post-war Britain
by Sarah StreetThis open access book examines how Pinewood came to be Britain’s dominant film studio complex, focusing on key years following the Second World War. It presents a revisionist, micro history of the studio and its longevity during a particularly turbulentperiod, explaining Pinewood’s survival at a time when other major film studios such as Denham closed. This book also provides contemporary insights into how Pinewood’s technologies, practices, and filmmaking methods compared to Hollywood’s. Thirteen films produced in1946–47 are analysed in detail, tracking how economic pressures engendered many creative techniques and innovative technologies. Prevailing cultures of management and labour organization are foregrounded, as well as insights into being a studio employee. These are vividly brought to life through an in-depthfocus on the in-house studio magazine Pinewood Merry-Go-Round, which provides rare details of sports and leisure activities organized at the studios.
Pixels & Paintings: Foundations of Computer-assisted Connoisseurship
by David G. StorkPIXELS & PAINTINGS “The discussion is firmly grounded in established art historical practices, such as close visual analysis and an understanding of artists’ working methods, and real-world examples demonstrate how computer-assisted techniques can complement traditional approaches.” —Dr. Emilie Gordenker, Director of the Van Gogh Museum The pioneering presentation of computer-based image analysis of fine art, forging a dialog between art scholars and the computer vision community In recent years, sophisticated computer vision, graphics, and artificial intelligence algorithms have proven to be increasingly powerful tools in the study of fine art. These methods—some adapted from forensic digital photography and others developed specifically for art—empower a growing number of computer-savvy art scholars, conservators, and historians to answer longstanding questions as well as provide new approaches to the interpretation of art. Pixels & Paintings provides the first and authoritative overview of the broad range of these methods, which extend from image processing of palette, marks, brush strokes, and shapes up through analysis of objects, poses, style, composition, to the computation of simple interpretations of artworks. This book stresses that computer methods for art analysis must always incorporate the cultural contexts appropriate to the art studies at hand—a blend of humanistic and scientific expertise. Describes powerful computer image analysis methods and their application to problems in the history and interpretation of fine art Discusses some of the art historical lessons and revelations provided by the use of these methods Clarifies the assumptions and applicability of methods and the role of cultural contexts in their use Shows how computation can be used to analyze tens of thousands of artworks to reveal trends and anomalies that could not be found by traditional non-computer methods Pixels & Paintings is essential reading for computer image analysts and graphics specialists, conservators, historians, students, psychologists and the general public interested in the study and appreciation of art.
Pixels & Paintings: Foundations of Computer-assisted Connoisseurship
by David G. StorkPIXELS & PAINTINGS “The discussion is firmly grounded in established art historical practices, such as close visual analysis and an understanding of artists’ working methods, and real-world examples demonstrate how computer-assisted techniques can complement traditional approaches.” —Dr. Emilie Gordenker, Director of the Van Gogh Museum The pioneering presentation of computer-based image analysis of fine art, forging a dialog between art scholars and the computer vision community In recent years, sophisticated computer vision, graphics, and artificial intelligence algorithms have proven to be increasingly powerful tools in the study of fine art. These methods—some adapted from forensic digital photography and others developed specifically for art—empower a growing number of computer-savvy art scholars, conservators, and historians to answer longstanding questions as well as provide new approaches to the interpretation of art. Pixels & Paintings provides the first and authoritative overview of the broad range of these methods, which extend from image processing of palette, marks, brush strokes, and shapes up through analysis of objects, poses, style, composition, to the computation of simple interpretations of artworks. This book stresses that computer methods for art analysis must always incorporate the cultural contexts appropriate to the art studies at hand—a blend of humanistic and scientific expertise. Describes powerful computer image analysis methods and their application to problems in the history and interpretation of fine art Discusses some of the art historical lessons and revelations provided by the use of these methods Clarifies the assumptions and applicability of methods and the role of cultural contexts in their use Shows how computation can be used to analyze tens of thousands of artworks to reveal trends and anomalies that could not be found by traditional non-computer methods Pixels & Paintings is essential reading for computer image analysts and graphics specialists, conservators, historians, students, psychologists and the general public interested in the study and appreciation of art.
Place Experience of the Sacred: Silence and the Pilgrimage Topography of Mount Athos
by Christos KakalisThis book explores the topography of Mount Athos, emphasizing the significance of silence and communal ritual in its understanding. Mount Athos, a mountainous peninsula in northern Greece, is a valuable case study of sacred topography, as it is one of the world’s largest monastic communities and an important pilgrimage destination. Its phenomenological examination highlights the importance of embodiment in the experience of religious places. Combining interdisciplinary insights from architectural theory, philosophy, theology and anthropology with archival and ethnographic materials, the book brings a fresh contribution to both Athonite studies and scholarship on sacred space. By focusing on the interrelation between silence and communal ritual, it offers an alternative to the traditional art historical, objectifying approaches. It reintroduces the phenomenological understanding of place, investigating also how this is expressed through a number of narratives, such as travel literature, maps and diaries.
Planning for Community
by Phil HeywoodPlanning for Community A comprehensive exploration of community planning that integrates today’s social and economic issues with policy and governance considerations In Planning for Community, distinguished regional and local planner Phil Heywood delivers an insightful examination of the accelerating impacts of social, environmental, and economic changes on community life and organization. He explores the ways in which these changes can be anticipated, planned for, and managed as he reviews and evaluates the nature and challenges of place and interaction faced by traditional and emerging local communities. The book includes discussions of the values, aims, and methods of community planning and the key operations in each of the fields of housing, work, transport, health, and environment. It should also inspire and assist readers to become more involved and influential in the lives of their local and wider communities. Readers will also find: A thorough introduction to methods of inclusion and empowerment enabling effective community management Comprehensive explorations of the ways the values of prosperity, liberty, social justice, and sustainability link to practical community problem-solving Practical discussions of the values, methods, activities, design, and governance shaping community planning Comprehensive, well-grounded, and effective treatments of policy development and practice Planning for Community is an excellent resource for professionals, activists, academics, and students seeking a comprehensive and readable guide to community planning.
Planning for Community
by Phil HeywoodPlanning for Community A comprehensive exploration of community planning that integrates today’s social and economic issues with policy and governance considerations In Planning for Community, distinguished regional and local planner Phil Heywood delivers an insightful examination of the accelerating impacts of social, environmental, and economic changes on community life and organization. He explores the ways in which these changes can be anticipated, planned for, and managed as he reviews and evaluates the nature and challenges of place and interaction faced by traditional and emerging local communities. The book includes discussions of the values, aims, and methods of community planning and the key operations in each of the fields of housing, work, transport, health, and environment. It should also inspire and assist readers to become more involved and influential in the lives of their local and wider communities. Readers will also find: A thorough introduction to methods of inclusion and empowerment enabling effective community management Comprehensive explorations of the ways the values of prosperity, liberty, social justice, and sustainability link to practical community problem-solving Practical discussions of the values, methods, activities, design, and governance shaping community planning Comprehensive, well-grounded, and effective treatments of policy development and practice Planning for Community is an excellent resource for professionals, activists, academics, and students seeking a comprehensive and readable guide to community planning.
Planning for the Caring City
by Claire Freeman Etienne NelAs the world has become increasingly urbanised and planetary well-being ever more threatened, questions have emerged over just what the priorities should be for how we live in cities. Clearly for many the current ways of planning and managing city environments are not working, given so many of their human and non-human inhabitants struggle on a daily basis to maintain their well-being and survival. Different approaches to city development are crucial if they are to be inclusive places where all can thrive. Ensuring that cities are safe and sustainable and provide a level of care for all their residents places a significant mandate on those who manage cities and on planners in particular. This book examines all the parts of the city where care needs to be incorporated, how we plan, create nurturing environments, include all who live there, build sensitively, support meaningful livelihoods, and enable compassionate governance. With planners in mind this book examines why care is needed in the urban environment, and drawing on real world examples examines how it can be applied in an effective and empowering fashion.
Planning for the Caring City
by Claire Freeman Etienne NelAs the world has become increasingly urbanised and planetary well-being ever more threatened, questions have emerged over just what the priorities should be for how we live in cities. Clearly for many the current ways of planning and managing city environments are not working, given so many of their human and non-human inhabitants struggle on a daily basis to maintain their well-being and survival. Different approaches to city development are crucial if they are to be inclusive places where all can thrive. Ensuring that cities are safe and sustainable and provide a level of care for all their residents places a significant mandate on those who manage cities and on planners in particular. This book examines all the parts of the city where care needs to be incorporated, how we plan, create nurturing environments, include all who live there, build sensitively, support meaningful livelihoods, and enable compassionate governance. With planners in mind this book examines why care is needed in the urban environment, and drawing on real world examples examines how it can be applied in an effective and empowering fashion.
Planning in the USA: Policies, Issues, and Processes
by Roger W. Caves J. Barry CullingworthExtensively revised and updated, Planning in the USA, fifth edition, continues to provide a comprehensive introduction to the policies, theory, and practice of planning.Outlining land use, urban planning, and environmental protection policies, this fully illustrated book explains the nature of the planning process and the way in which policy issues are identified, defined, and approached. The new edition incorporates new planning legislation and regulations at the state and federal layers of government and examples of local ordinances in a variety of planning areas. New material includes discussions of education and equity in planning the City Beautiful Movement Daniel Burnham’s plan for Chicago segregation Knick v. Township of Scott reforming single-family zoning and regulatory challenges in zoning and land use Daniel Parolek’s ‘Missing Middle Housing’ climate change, mitigation, adaptation, and resiliency the drinking water crisis in Flint, Michigan sharing programs for cars, bicycles, and scooters hybrid electric and autonomous vehicles Vision Zero COVID-19 relief for housing Innovation Districts, Promise Zones, and Opportunity Zones the sharing, gig, and creative economies scenic views and vistas, monuments, statues, and remembering the past; and healthy cities, Health Impact Assessment, and active living This detailed account of urbanization in the United States reveals the problematic nature and limitations of the planning process, the fallibility of experts, and the difficulties facing policy-makers in their search for solutions. Planning in the USA, fifth edition, is an essential book for students of urban planning, urban politics, environmental geography, and environment politics. It will be a valuable resource for planners and all who are concerned with the nature of contemporary urban and environmental problems.
Planning in the USA: Policies, Issues, and Processes
by Roger W. Caves J. Barry CullingworthExtensively revised and updated, Planning in the USA, fifth edition, continues to provide a comprehensive introduction to the policies, theory, and practice of planning.Outlining land use, urban planning, and environmental protection policies, this fully illustrated book explains the nature of the planning process and the way in which policy issues are identified, defined, and approached. The new edition incorporates new planning legislation and regulations at the state and federal layers of government and examples of local ordinances in a variety of planning areas. New material includes discussions of education and equity in planning the City Beautiful Movement Daniel Burnham’s plan for Chicago segregation Knick v. Township of Scott reforming single-family zoning and regulatory challenges in zoning and land use Daniel Parolek’s ‘Missing Middle Housing’ climate change, mitigation, adaptation, and resiliency the drinking water crisis in Flint, Michigan sharing programs for cars, bicycles, and scooters hybrid electric and autonomous vehicles Vision Zero COVID-19 relief for housing Innovation Districts, Promise Zones, and Opportunity Zones the sharing, gig, and creative economies scenic views and vistas, monuments, statues, and remembering the past; and healthy cities, Health Impact Assessment, and active living This detailed account of urbanization in the United States reveals the problematic nature and limitations of the planning process, the fallibility of experts, and the difficulties facing policy-makers in their search for solutions. Planning in the USA, fifth edition, is an essential book for students of urban planning, urban politics, environmental geography, and environment politics. It will be a valuable resource for planners and all who are concerned with the nature of contemporary urban and environmental problems.
Planungsfibel für Aufzugsanlagen: Eine Einführung
by Dieter UngerDie Planungsfibel soll für Architekten und Aufzugsplaner Hinweise geben, was bei der Planung einer Aufzugsanlage in einem Neubau, beim Bauen im Bestand und bei einer Modernisierung zu beachten ist. Die Fibel ersetzt keine Planung, sie soll aber als Hilfestellung dienen, Fehler zu vermeiden. Darüber hinaus soll durch Aufklärung einige im Markt vorhandene Missverständnisse beseitigt werden. Hierbei fließen meine eigenen Erfahrungen ein, die ich bei Planungsvorhaben in der Vergangenheit gewonnen habe.
Playing with Infinity: Turtles, Patterns, and Pictures (AK Peters/CRC Recreational Mathematics Series)
by Hans ZantemaThis is a book about infinity - specifically the infinity of numbers and sequences. Amazing properties arise, for instance, some kinds of infinity are argued to be greater than others. Along the way the author will demonstrate how infinity can be made to create beautiful ‘art’, guided by the development of underlying mathematics. This book will provide a fascinating read for anyone interested in number theory, infinity, math art, and/or generative art, and could be used a valuable supplement to any course on these topics.Features: Beautiful examples of generative art Accessible to anyone with a reasonable high school level of mathematics Full of challenges and puzzles to engage readers
Playing with Infinity: Turtles, Patterns, and Pictures (AK Peters/CRC Recreational Mathematics Series)
by Hans ZantemaThis is a book about infinity - specifically the infinity of numbers and sequences. Amazing properties arise, for instance, some kinds of infinity are argued to be greater than others. Along the way the author will demonstrate how infinity can be made to create beautiful ‘art’, guided by the development of underlying mathematics. This book will provide a fascinating read for anyone interested in number theory, infinity, math art, and/or generative art, and could be used a valuable supplement to any course on these topics.Features: Beautiful examples of generative art Accessible to anyone with a reasonable high school level of mathematics Full of challenges and puzzles to engage readers
The Plays and Films of Bahram Beyzaie: Origins, Forms and Functions (British Institute of Persian Studies)
by Saeed TalajooyBahram Beyzaie is one of Iran's leading playwrights and auteur filmmakers. This book examines several of Beyzaie's films and plays and their preoccupation with the modalities and transformations of Iranian contemporary, historical and mythical identity from different perspectives. The chapters analyse Beyzaie's influential plays such as Arash and So Dies Pahlevan Akbar and his filmic magnum opuses such as The Crow, Bashu, the Little Stranger and Killing Mad Dogs from a range of critical perspectives including ecofeminist, sociopolitical, new-historicist, archetypal and psychoanalytical readings. They also explore Beyzaie's dialogue with filmic genres such as noir, different Iranian languages such as Gilaki, Iranian epics and ritual practices such as ta'ziyeh plays and javanmardi chivalry cults. Together, the chapters show how Beyzaie's works negotiate narratives of belonging and undermine the dominant exclusionist discourses in Iran, and how they use the resources of Iranian folk and performance traditions to comment on the position of women, children, intellectuals, and minorities in society.
Podcast or Perish: Peer Review and Knowledge Creation for the 21st Century (Bloomsbury Podcast Studies)
by Lori Beckstead Ian M. Cook Hannah McGregorPodcasting scholarship is still in its nascent stages. The use of podcasting as a tool for scholarly and intellectual inquiry is a relatively new idea, to think about the medium as an alternative outlet for research output. Podcast or Perish maps out not simply a rationale for the deployment of podcasting as an outlet for open peer review, but also explores some real-world workflows for such a practice.At the forefront of merging these exciting fields, Lori Beckstead, Ian M. Cook, and Hannah McGregor have taken a novel approach to expanding the boundaries of scholarly knowledge by considering podcasting as a focal point for intellectual discussion, engagement, and exploration. By investigating the historical development of the norms of scholarly communication, the unique affordances of sound-based scholarship, and the transformative potential of new modes of knowledge production, Podcast or Perish is the call to action academia needs, by asking how podcasting might change the very ways we think about scholarly work.
Podcasting in a Platform Age: From an Amateur to a Professional Medium (Bloomsbury Podcast Studies)
by John L. SullivanPodcasting in a Platform Age explores the transition underway in podcasting by considering how the influx of legacy and new media interest in the medium is injecting professional and corporate logics into what had been largely an amateur media form. Many of the most high-profile podcasts today, however, are produced by highly-skilled media professionals, some of whom are employees of media corporations. Legacy radio and new media platform giants like Google, Apple, Amazon, and Spotify are also making big (and expensive) moves in the medium by acquiring content producers and hosting platforms. This book focuses on three major aspects of this transformation: formalization, professionalization, and monetization. Through a close read of online and press discourse, analysis of podcasts themselves, participant observations at podcast trade shows and conventions, and interviews with industry professionals and individual podcasters, John Sullivan outlines how the efforts of industry players to transform podcasting into a profitable medium are beginning to challenge the very definition of podcasting itself.
Points of Disruption in the Music Education Curriculum, Volume 1: Systemic Changes (CMS Pedagogies and Innovations)
by Marshall Haning Jocelyn A. Stevens Brian N. WeidnerFor decades, scholars in the field of music education have recognized the need for growth and change in our approach to teaching music, yet despite these calls for change, the music education curriculum today remains remarkably similar to that of a century ago. Points of Disruption in the Music Education Curriculum, Volume 1: Systemic Changes is one of two volumes that bring together applied suggestions, analyses, and best practices for disrupting cycles of replication in the curriculum of K-12 and collegiate music education programs in the United States and beyond, considering disruption as a force for positive change. Identifying specific strategies for interrupting or reimagining traditional practices, the contributors provide music teachers and music educators with a variety of potential practical approaches to creating changes that foster a better musical education at all levels of the curriculum.This first volume focuses on systemic changes, including topics like professional development, hiring practices, ableism and universal design, rhizomatic learning, and how to implement disruption across the music education profession. Each chapter contains specific action steps and suggestions for implementation. Bringing together five thought-provoking chapters, this concise volume offers a diverse set of concrete strategies that will be useful to a wide range of music education stakeholders, including teachers, administrators, and curriculum designers.
Points of Disruption in the Music Education Curriculum, Volume 1: Systemic Changes (CMS Pedagogies and Innovations)
by Marshall Haning Jocelyn A. Stevens Brian N. WeidnerFor decades, scholars in the field of music education have recognized the need for growth and change in our approach to teaching music, yet despite these calls for change, the music education curriculum today remains remarkably similar to that of a century ago. Points of Disruption in the Music Education Curriculum, Volume 1: Systemic Changes is one of two volumes that bring together applied suggestions, analyses, and best practices for disrupting cycles of replication in the curriculum of K-12 and collegiate music education programs in the United States and beyond, considering disruption as a force for positive change. Identifying specific strategies for interrupting or reimagining traditional practices, the contributors provide music teachers and music educators with a variety of potential practical approaches to creating changes that foster a better musical education at all levels of the curriculum.This first volume focuses on systemic changes, including topics like professional development, hiring practices, ableism and universal design, rhizomatic learning, and how to implement disruption across the music education profession. Each chapter contains specific action steps and suggestions for implementation. Bringing together five thought-provoking chapters, this concise volume offers a diverse set of concrete strategies that will be useful to a wide range of music education stakeholders, including teachers, administrators, and curriculum designers.
Polish Architecture in Contemporary Innovation: Thoughts, Dreams and Places
by Nina Juzwa Jakub ŚwierzawskiAuthored by two architects, Polish Architecture in Contemporary Innovation: Thoughts, Dreams and Places tells a story of buildings that were built in Poland between 1980 and 2020, as architecture developed in the Western world and Japan. Its main focus is public utility buildings which the authors “have touched” in situ and which have moved them or sparked their interest. The book is divided into three parts: • Part I focuses on the problem of creating and shaping architectural form and uses examples of both international and Polish architecture. In this section, the authors pose the question: why is the Pritzker Prize so important? • Part II attempts to answer the question of how architecture can change the image of a place. The answer consists of mainly Polish examples of user-friendly architecture, value, and beauty in architecture and place. • Part III analyses buildings that were created in contemporary Poland. Examples are listed in groups, according to their function, pointing out forms that were inspired by the culture of the region, the historical culture of the place, or those which are a new quality and are the foundation of the creation of a place. This book aims to demonstrate Polish architectural solutions in the context of contemporary trends in the West, traditionally seen as more technically and technologically developed countries. The floor plans and sections of the buildings presented in the book show the beauty of geometric and formal solutions and give a new and rare perspective on the latest changes in modern Polish architecture. This book will be of interest to architects as well as researchers and students of contemporary Polish architecture and culture and its place in the European and international context. The Polish edition of this book, published in 2021 by the National Institute of Architecture and Urban Planning in Warsaw, received the Vitruvius Prize 2022 by the Architecture and Urban Planning Committee of the Polish Academy of Sciences.
Polish Architecture in Contemporary Innovation: Thoughts, Dreams and Places
by Nina Juzwa Jakub ŚwierzawskiAuthored by two architects, Polish Architecture in Contemporary Innovation: Thoughts, Dreams and Places tells a story of buildings that were built in Poland between 1980 and 2020, as architecture developed in the Western world and Japan. Its main focus is public utility buildings which the authors “have touched” in situ and which have moved them or sparked their interest. The book is divided into three parts: • Part I focuses on the problem of creating and shaping architectural form and uses examples of both international and Polish architecture. In this section, the authors pose the question: why is the Pritzker Prize so important? • Part II attempts to answer the question of how architecture can change the image of a place. The answer consists of mainly Polish examples of user-friendly architecture, value, and beauty in architecture and place. • Part III analyses buildings that were created in contemporary Poland. Examples are listed in groups, according to their function, pointing out forms that were inspired by the culture of the region, the historical culture of the place, or those which are a new quality and are the foundation of the creation of a place. This book aims to demonstrate Polish architectural solutions in the context of contemporary trends in the West, traditionally seen as more technically and technologically developed countries. The floor plans and sections of the buildings presented in the book show the beauty of geometric and formal solutions and give a new and rare perspective on the latest changes in modern Polish architecture. This book will be of interest to architects as well as researchers and students of contemporary Polish architecture and culture and its place in the European and international context. The Polish edition of this book, published in 2021 by the National Institute of Architecture and Urban Planning in Warsaw, received the Vitruvius Prize 2022 by the Architecture and Urban Planning Committee of the Polish Academy of Sciences.
Political Economy, Race, and the Image of Nature in the United States, 1825–1878 (Routledge Research in Art and Politics)
by Evan Robert NeelyPolitical Economy, Race, and the Image of Nature in the United States, 1825–1878 is an interdisciplinary work analyzing the historical origins of a dominant concept of Nature in the culture of the United States during the period of its expansion across the continent.Chapters analyze the ways in which “Nature” became a discursive site where theories of race and belonging, adaptation and environment, and the uses of literary and pictorial representation were being renegotiated, forming the basis for an ideal of the human and the nonhuman world that is still with us. Through an interdisciplinary approach involving the fields of visual culture, political economy, histories of racial identity, and ecocritical studies, the book examines the work of seminal figures in a variety of literary and artistic disciplines and puts the visual culture of the United States at the center of intellectual trends that have enormous implications for contemporary cultural practice.The book will be of interest to scholars working in art history, visual culture, American studies, environmental studies/ecocriticism, critical race theory, and semiotics.