The Cultural Life of the Automobile

Roads to Modernity

Nonfiction, Reference & Language, Transportation, Automotive, History, Domestic
Cover of the book The Cultural Life of the Automobile by Guillermo Giucci, University of Texas Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Guillermo Giucci ISBN: 9780292744554
Publisher: University of Texas Press Publication: December 15, 2009
Imprint: University of Texas Press Language: English
Author: Guillermo Giucci
ISBN: 9780292744554
Publisher: University of Texas Press
Publication: December 15, 2009
Imprint: University of Texas Press
Language: English

From its invention in Europe at the end of the nineteenth century, the automobile crisscrossed the world, completely took over the cities, and became a feature of daily life. Considered basic to the American lifestyle, the car reflected individualism, pragmatism, comfort, and above all modernity. In Latin America, it served as a symbol of distinction, similar to jewelry or fine clothing. In The Cultural Life of the Automobile, Guillermo Giucci focuses on the automobile as an instrument of social change through its “kinetic modernity” and as an embodiment of the tremendous social impact of technology on cultural life.

Material culture—how certain objects generate a wide array of cultural responses—has been the focus of much scholarly discussion in recent years. The automobile wrought major changes and inspired images in language, literature, and popular culture. Focusing primarily on Latin America but also covering the United States, Europe, Asia, and Africa, Giucci examines how the automobile was variously adapted by different cultures and how its use shaped and changed social and economic relationships within them. At the same time, he shows how the “automobilization” of society became an essential support for the development of modern individualism, and the automobile its clearest material manifestation.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

From its invention in Europe at the end of the nineteenth century, the automobile crisscrossed the world, completely took over the cities, and became a feature of daily life. Considered basic to the American lifestyle, the car reflected individualism, pragmatism, comfort, and above all modernity. In Latin America, it served as a symbol of distinction, similar to jewelry or fine clothing. In The Cultural Life of the Automobile, Guillermo Giucci focuses on the automobile as an instrument of social change through its “kinetic modernity” and as an embodiment of the tremendous social impact of technology on cultural life.

Material culture—how certain objects generate a wide array of cultural responses—has been the focus of much scholarly discussion in recent years. The automobile wrought major changes and inspired images in language, literature, and popular culture. Focusing primarily on Latin America but also covering the United States, Europe, Asia, and Africa, Giucci examines how the automobile was variously adapted by different cultures and how its use shaped and changed social and economic relationships within them. At the same time, he shows how the “automobilization” of society became an essential support for the development of modern individualism, and the automobile its clearest material manifestation.

More books from University of Texas Press

Cover of the book Torah Today by Guillermo Giucci
Cover of the book Rubén Darío and the Romantic Search for Unity by Guillermo Giucci
Cover of the book The Zoot-Suit Riots by Guillermo Giucci
Cover of the book Punk Slash! Musicals by Guillermo Giucci
Cover of the book Naked Truth by Guillermo Giucci
Cover of the book Democracy, Militarism, and Nationalism in Argentina, 1930–1966 by Guillermo Giucci
Cover of the book Indians, Cattle, Ships and Oil by Guillermo Giucci
Cover of the book Handbook of Middle American Indians, Volume 13 by Guillermo Giucci
Cover of the book Galveston by Guillermo Giucci
Cover of the book Peregrine Falcon by Guillermo Giucci
Cover of the book Rituals of Respect by Guillermo Giucci
Cover of the book Pillar of Salt by Guillermo Giucci
Cover of the book The Original Guitar Hero and the Power of Music by Guillermo Giucci
Cover of the book Salvation in New England by Guillermo Giucci
Cover of the book Weaving Identities by Guillermo Giucci
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy