Description: Material culture studies is an interdisciplinary field that examines the relationships between people and their things: the production, history, preservation, and interpretation of objects. It draws on theory and practice from disciplines in the social sciences and humanities, such as anthropology, archaeology, history, and museum studies. Written by leading international scholars, this Handbook provides a comprehensive view of developments, methodologies and theories. It is divided into five broad themes, embracing both classic and emerging areas of research in the field. Chapters outline transformative moments in material culture scholarship, and present research from around the world, focusing on multiple material and digital media that show the scope and breadth of this exciting field. Written in an easy-to-read style, it is essential reading for students, researchers and professionals with an interest in material culture.
Brief description: Catharine Roeber is Interim Director of Academic Programs and Brock W. Jobe Associate Professor of Decorative Arts and Material Culture at Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library affiliated with the University of Delaware. She is Executive Editor for the Winterthur Portfolio and is Co-founder of Consortium of Digital Decorative Arts (CODA).