Visions of America since 1492

The common theme of these essays is the evolution of American cultural identities from a diverse colonial inheritance. Changing representations of what it means to be 'American' are assumed to be the consequence of shifting cross-cultural or transatlantic pressures. Since 1492 the experience of America has continually been interpreted both for and by Europeans; the colonial past constituting the prime source of introspective energies and self-conscious representations for all Americans. The collection is divided into two sections, juxtaposing colonial negotiations with 'native' Americans and the modern self-perceptions of 'native-born' Americans. The focus of the early part of the book is the vision of America that was formed through the process of colonization - with its attendant impact upon wildlife, landscapes and indigenous peoples - a vision registered in visual images and written records, as well as Western philosophical, ethnographical and aesthetic ideals.Madsen, Deborah L. is the author of 'Visions of America since 1492' with ISBN 9780718514709 and ISBN 071851470X.