William L. Bird Jr.
Auteur van Souvenir Nation: Relics, Keepsakes, and Curios from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History
Over de Auteur
Curator William L. Bird, Jr., author of America's Doll House and Holidays on Display, describes how each of these eccentric objects found a home at the Smithsonian and offers a glimpse behind the scenes of the museum. Strikingly photographed, the souvenirs in this eclectic trove are signposts to a toon meer uniquely American narrative, revealing who we are through the things we have saved. toon minder
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I learned a lot about the history of souvenirs and their birth as an industry and there's a history of the beginning of the Smithsonian Institution as well. It's startling now to think about how much destruction relic/souvenir hunters wrought on historic or significant places or objects before anyone thought to control the acquisition process (and make money off it).
But... based on the title of the book I was expecting a more kitschy, fun collection of objects so I was a bit deflated upon opening the book. Quite a few of these objects are the ones that I'd give a passing glance to on my way to see objects that I connected with more (sorry, I find locks of hair boring). Still, there were many here I would stop for, and a couple of the "meh" ones had very interesting stories behind them.
So, 4 stars because the book wasn't quite what I was expecting and the writing a bit dryer than I'd hoped for, but excellent and informative nonetheless.… (meer)