Cultures of Memory in the Nineteenth Century

This collection provides a long-overdue examination of the nineteenth century as a crucible of new commemorative practices. Distinctive memory cultures emerged during this period which would fundamentally reshape public and private practices of remembrance in the modern world. The essays in this volume bring together scholars of History, Literature, Art History, and Musicology to explore uses of memory in nineteenth-century empire-building and constructions of national identity, cultures of sentiment and mourning practices, and discourses of race and power. Contributors approach the topic through case studies of Europe, the United States, and the British Empire. Their analyses of nineteenth-century innovations in commemoration at both the personal and the larger civic and political levels will appeal to students and scholars of memory and of the nineteenth-century world.

“This collection provides a foundation for the understanding of commemoration in the modern world. The interdisciplinarity of this study broadens this understanding through connections to consumption, nationhood, race, and gender.” (Lisa Kasmer, Journal of British Studies, Vol. 61 (1), January, 2022) “This book offers a wide range of case studies from the under-served realm of nineteenth-century histories of memories, demonstrating how much there is still to learn about formative modern memory practices.” (Susan A. Crane, Associate Professor of Modern European History, University of Arizona, USA)

“This exemplary volume offers a new—and essential—framework for understanding the history of memory. As the authors demonstrate, the nineteenth century was pivotal to the emergence of novel forms of commemoration worldwide, transforming how individuals everywhere created meaning from the past.  Indeed, one of the greatest strengths of this collection is its global purview.  From the U.S. to Europe to South Asia to Africa, new cultures of memory, rooted in the emerging consumerism of the era, revolutionized the human experience. Editors Kathy Grenier and Amanda Mushal provide an illuminating window into this revolution—one that will fascinate students and scholars alike.” (EthanJ. Kytle and Blain Roberts, authors of Denmark Vesey’s Garden. Slavery and Memory in the Cradle of the Confederacy)

“This remarkable book ranges across the world and across a century to reveal the powerful ways remembrance works in diverse societies and at critical events.  It is a rare work of comparative scholarship, combining global breadth and penetrating focus, each chapter illuminating others.” (Edward L. Ayers, Tucker-Boatwright Professor of the Humanities and President Emeritus, University of Richmond, USA)

“This volume succeeds in persuading us to turn back to the long nineteenth century by way of fully understanding the development of modern commemorative practices - practices that are commodified in national and global contexts. A significant and distinctive contribution to the field, the volume will prove valuable to students, researchers and interested readers.” (Deborah Madden, Deputy Director, Centre for Memory, Narrative and Histories, University of Brighton, UK)

Katherine Haldane Grenier is Professor of History at The Citadel, USA. She is the author of Tourism and Identity in Scotland: Creating Caledonia, 1770-1914 (2005). 

Amanda R. Mushal is Associate Professor of History at The Citadel, USA. She is a contributor to The Field of Honor: Essays on Southern Character and American Identity (2017) and The Southern Middle Class in the Long Nineteenth Century (2011).