Winnebago Nation

The RV in American Culture

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Cultural Studies, Popular Culture, History, Americas, United States, 20th Century
Cover of the book Winnebago Nation by James B. Twitchell, Columbia University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: James B. Twitchell ISBN: 9780231537650
Publisher: Columbia University Press Publication: April 8, 2014
Imprint: Columbia University Press Language: English
Author: James B. Twitchell
ISBN: 9780231537650
Publisher: Columbia University Press
Publication: April 8, 2014
Imprint: Columbia University Press
Language: English

In Winnebago Nation, popular critic James B. Twitchell takes a light-hearted look at the culture and industry behind the yearning to spend the night in one's car. For the young the roadtrip is a coming-of-age ceremony; for those later in life it is the realization of a lifelong desire to be spontaneous, nomadic, and free. Informed by his own experiences on the road, Twitchell recounts the RV's origins and evolution over the twentieth century; its rise, fall, and rebirth as a cultural icon; its growing mechanical complexity as it evolved from an estate wagon to a converted bus to a mobile home; and its role in bolstering and challenging conceptions of American identity.

Mechanical yet dreamy, independent yet needful, solitary yet clubby, adventurous yet homebound, life in a mobile home is a distillation of the American character and an important embodiment of American exceptionalism, (Richie Rich and Hobo Hank spend time in essentially the same rig at the same campground, albeit for different reasons and in different levels of comfort.) The frontier may be tapped out but we still yearn for the exploratory life. Twitchell concludes with his thoughts on the future of RV communities and the possibility of mobile cities becoming a real part of the American landscape.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In Winnebago Nation, popular critic James B. Twitchell takes a light-hearted look at the culture and industry behind the yearning to spend the night in one's car. For the young the roadtrip is a coming-of-age ceremony; for those later in life it is the realization of a lifelong desire to be spontaneous, nomadic, and free. Informed by his own experiences on the road, Twitchell recounts the RV's origins and evolution over the twentieth century; its rise, fall, and rebirth as a cultural icon; its growing mechanical complexity as it evolved from an estate wagon to a converted bus to a mobile home; and its role in bolstering and challenging conceptions of American identity.

Mechanical yet dreamy, independent yet needful, solitary yet clubby, adventurous yet homebound, life in a mobile home is a distillation of the American character and an important embodiment of American exceptionalism, (Richie Rich and Hobo Hank spend time in essentially the same rig at the same campground, albeit for different reasons and in different levels of comfort.) The frontier may be tapped out but we still yearn for the exploratory life. Twitchell concludes with his thoughts on the future of RV communities and the possibility of mobile cities becoming a real part of the American landscape.

More books from Columbia University Press

Cover of the book How to Read Chinese Poetry Workbook by James B. Twitchell
Cover of the book Conservation Genetics in the Age of Genomics by James B. Twitchell
Cover of the book Between Men by James B. Twitchell
Cover of the book Sexual Orientation and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy by James B. Twitchell
Cover of the book The Ecosystem Approach by James B. Twitchell
Cover of the book Three Big Bangs by James B. Twitchell
Cover of the book Tibetan Renaissance by James B. Twitchell
Cover of the book Rural Social Work Practice by James B. Twitchell
Cover of the book Love and War by James B. Twitchell
Cover of the book An Empire of Touch by James B. Twitchell
Cover of the book O God of Players by James B. Twitchell
Cover of the book Advocating for Children in Foster and Kinship Care by James B. Twitchell
Cover of the book Film Worlds by James B. Twitchell
Cover of the book Substance Use Disorders in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Clients by James B. Twitchell
Cover of the book The Limits of Tolerance by James B. Twitchell
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy