Michael Denning Books

Michael Denning is an influential American cultural historian who has significantly shaped American Studies by integrating theories from British Cultural Studies. Deeply influenced by his time with Stuart Hall, his work delves into the complexities of American culture and history. Denning's approach critically examines the nation's cultural heritage, highlighting its intricate social and historical contexts. His analyses offer readers fresh perspectives on the formation of American identity.

Mechanic Accents: Dime Novels and Working-Class Culture in America

Noise Uprising
326 pages
12 hours of reading
4.1(87)Add rating
Focusing on the transformative period between 1925 and the early 1930s, the book explores how electrical recording revolutionized music, capturing the essence of urban life through diverse genres. It highlights the contributions of countless unknown musicians who recorded iconic sounds like Havana's son, New Orleans' jazz, and Cairo's tarab in makeshift studios. These recordings not only shaped the global music landscape but also fueled cultural movements and the fight for decolonization, marking a significant chapter in the history of popular music.
Mechanic Accents: Dime Novels and Working-Class Culture in America
272 pages
10 hours of reading
3.8(44)Add rating
Focusing on the intersection of American popular fiction and working-class culture, this study utilizes Marxist literary theory alongside American labor history. It examines the impact of the 19th-century rise in affordable novels among working-class readers, revealing how the "fiction question" evolved into a significant class issue. The analysis highlights the cultural implications of literature's accessibility and its role in shaping class identity and consciousness during this transformative period.

Noise Uprising

Mechanic Accents: Dime Novels and Working-Class Culture in America