Political Landscapes of Capital Cities investigates the processes of transformation of the natural landscape into the culturally constructed and ideologically defined political environments of capital cities. In this spatially inclusive; socially dynamic interpretation; an interdisciplinary group of authors including archaeologists; anthropologists; and art historians uses the methodology put forth in Adam T. Smith’s The Political Landscape: Constellations of Authority in Early Complex Polities to expose the intimate associations between human-made environments and the natural landscape that accommodate the sociopolitical needs of governmental authority.Political Landscapes of Capital Cities blends the historical; political; and cultural narratives of capital cities such as Bangkok; Cusco; Rome; and Tehran with a careful visual analysis; hinging on the methodological tools of not only architectural and urban design but also cultural; historiographical; and anthropological studies. The collection provides further ways to conceive of how processes of urbanization; monumentalization; ritualization; naturalization; and unification affected capitals differently without losing grasp of local distinctive architectural and spatial features. The essays also articulate the many complex political and ideological agendas of a diverse set of sovereign entities that planned; constructed; displayed; and performed their societal ideals in the spaces of their capitals; ultimately confirming that political authority is profoundly spatial.Contributors: Jelena Bogdanović; Jessica Joyce Christie; Talinn Grigor; Eulogio Guzmán; Gregor Kalas; Stephanie Pilat; Melody Rod-ari; Anne Parmly Toxey; Alexei Vranich
2016-07-14 2016-07-14File Name: B01IGSKOIK
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A Complicated LegacyBy FulanoJoseacute; Martiacute; is one of Latin Americas most important individuals and one of the most enduring sources of inspiration for contemporary thinkers and politicians who continue to grapple with the problem of national identity and autonomy in countries still emerging from the legacy of colonialism and economic dependency. Its no coincidence. then. that Cuban leaders of all ideological stripes have been forced to manage and manipulate Martiacute;s image in order to legitimize their own authority and political projects.This intriguing book describes a century of fraud and falsification by Cuban politicians and artists who have placed Martiacute;s statues. paintings. photography. and cinematic image into service as a prop for a variety of political goals. many of which have nothing to do with Martiacute;s ideas and ideals.Readers will enjoy this provocative look at the island-nation of Cuba as it wrestles with its Founding Father--Martiacute;. a rebel intellectual who. although he stood barely five feet tall. remains a giant.1 of 2 people found the following review helpful. An Exquisite Gaze at the Cuban PoetBy Leo BernucciBejel takes us on a historical journey through the complex visual representations of one of Latin Americas most revered heroes. Rigorously researched. theoretically sophisticated. this groundbreaking book will certainly remain as an authoritative and persuasive study of Martis iconicity in relation to state power and ideology. A must-read.
