Museum studies : an anthology of contexts

Museum Studies: An Anthology of Contexts provides a comprehensive interdisciplinary collection of approaches to museums and their relation to history, culture, philosophy and their adoring or combative publics.* Brings together for the first time a wide array of texts that mix contemporary analysis with historical documentation* Includes five sections that highlight central themes in museum studies: issue--oriented contexts in museology; states of "nature"; the status of nations; history, memory and other locations; and arts, crafts and visitors* Addresses the development of museums, the role of the museum in society, and issues central to contemporary museum studies* Opens with an introductory essay that situates museum studies in a truly interdisciplinary context and includes an opening essay for each section that guides the reader through the selections* Includes a bibliography and list of resources devoted to museum studies that makes the volume an authoritative guide on the subject