The Rise of Heritage
Preserving the Past in France, Germany and England, 1789–1914

A richly illustrated book exploring the origins of the modern fascination for heritage, comparing preservation in France, Germany and England.

Astrid Swenson (Author)

9780521117623, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 19 December 2013

432 pages, 57 b/w illus.
22.9 x 15.2 x 3 cm, 0.86 kg

'Swenson's prodigious archival work in three languages has unearthed convincing evidence to support her contention that we must revise facile characterizations of preservation movements on the basis of supposed national difference … Swenson's chapters on international exhibitions, fairs, and expositions detail how the growing sense among intellectuals and activists of the need to 'preserve the past' as a responsibility of 'Western Civilization' led cultural nationalists to attempt to demonstrate at various events that their nation was at the apex of that civilization. This is an important and well-made argument, echoing other scholars who have found clear connections between nationalist and internationalist movements in domestic history in the mid- and later nineteenth century …' Stephen Heathorn, The Journal of Modern History

Where does our fascination for 'heritage' originate? This groundbreaking comparative study of preservation in France, Germany and England looks beyond national borders to reveal how the idea of heritage emerged from intense competition and collaboration in a global context. Astrid Swenson follows the 'heritage-makers' from the French Revolution to the First World War, revealing the importance of global networks driving developments in each country. Drawing on documentary, literary and visual sources, the book connects high politics and daily life and uncovers how, through travel, correspondence, world fairs and international congresses, the preservationists exchanged ideas, helped each other campaign and dreamed of establishing international institutions for the protection of heritage. Yet, these heritage-makers were also animated by fierce rivalry as international tension grew. This mixture of international collaboration and competition created the European culture of heritage, which defined preservation as integral to modernity, and still shapes current institutions and debates.

Introduction
Part I. National Heritage Movements: 1. In search of origins
2. The heritage-makers
Part II. International Meeting-Points: 3. Exhibition mania
4. 'Peace and goodwill among nations'
Part III. Transnational Campaigns: 5. 'A Morris dance 'round St Mark's'
6. 'A yardstick for a people's cultural attainment'
Conclusion
Bibliography.

Subject Areas: History: earliest times to present day [HBL], European history [HBJD], Historiography [HBAH]