Authenticity has become a key concept in the culture of history and memory in the 21st century. This open access book explores the multifaceted nature of 'historical authenticity' and its uses in various academic, museum, and historical-cultural contexts. In 70 alphabetically-arranged articles, Historical Authenticity explains how authenticity can enable individuals and societies to locate themselves within time and space and the associated challenges.
The book shows how today's attitudes to the past are characterised by an intense striving for historical authenticity – a phenomenon which began to assume new potency in the last third of the 20th century. It considers how this manifests itself in practical terms, for example, in the value attached to 'authentic voices' from the past, 'authentic objects' in museums, collections and archives, or to 'authentic places' – be they historic buildings, urban architectural ensembles or memorial sites. The volume also reflects on how this desire for the 'real', the 'genuine' and the 'original' has changed over the centuries , and why it is nowadays so frequently linked with a longing to experience history 'first-hand', as evidenced in the degree of public attention accorded to surviving witnesses of historic events or the popularity of historical re-enactments. 'Historical Authenticity' convincingly makes the case that the analysis of academic, cultural, institutional and political authentification processes is central to a critical understanding of how the past is perceived in the present.

The ebook editions of this book are available open access under a CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 licence on bloomsburycollections.com. Open access was funded by the Leibniz Research Alliance Value of the Past

About the Authors

Martin Sabrow is Senior Fellow and Former Director of the Leibniz Centre for Contemporary History Potsdam, Germany. He is the author of numerous books, amongst them biographies on Walter Rathenau and Erich Honecker.

Achim Saupe is Research Fellow at the Leibniz Centre for Contemporary History Potsdam, Germany. He is the co-editor of The Politics of Authenticity and Populist Discourses (2021).

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

We carry a comprehensive range of out of print and rare books.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

Kennys Bookshops and Art Galleries Limited
Liosban Industrial Estate, Tuam Road, Galway, GY, Ireland

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

We guarantee the condition of every book as it's described on the Abebooks websites.

If you're dissatisfied with your purchase (Incorrect Book/Not as Described/Damaged) or if the order hasn't arrived, you're eligible for a refund within 30 days of the estimated delivery date.

For any queries please use the contact seller link or send an email to books@kennys.ie

Conor Kenny

Shipping Terms

All books securely packaged. Some books ship from Ireland.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.
Order quantity	14 to 20 business days	13 to 14 business days
First item	US$ 10.50	US$ 21.00

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.