Industrialization - industrial heritage - de-industrialization

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Pittsburgh, the American steel capital, and Chemnitz, once the "Manchester of Saxony," both underwent significant structural changes by the early 21st century, transitioning from their industrial roots. A key challenge for these former industrial centers is to craft new narratives of belonging amidst their rich industrial heritage. This collection of essays, stemming from a symposium at Chemnitz University of Technology and the Industrial Museum of Saxony, delves into the cultural impact of industrialization and de-industrialization on artists and writers in both cities. Organized chronologically, the essays explore various literary and cultural representations of these phenomena. Contributors, mainly emerging scholars in history, literature, and sociology, present diverse perspectives on the interactions between industrialization, heritage, and de-industrialization in Pittsburgh and Chemnitz. The editors, Evelyne Keitel, Cecile Sandten, and Gunter Süß, are all affiliated with Chemnitz University of Technology, bringing their expertise in American studies, English literature, and cultural theory to the discourse. Through this exploration, the collection aims to illuminate the lasting influence of industrial legacies on contemporary cultural narratives in these cities.