Rhode Island; �the Ocean State;� consists of only 1;200 square miles; and one-quarter of the state is tidewater. With over 350 miles of coastline; a third of the citizens live within a mile of the seashore. The Narragansett Bay; spanning 102 square miles; is the heart of the state. From the early 19th to the mid-20th century; the shell and finfish industries flourished within the bay. Amusement parks and seaside dining halls sprang up on both sides. Beaches catered to Victorian ladies and gentlemen who took in the air but never wet their feet. The nation�s security has also played a major role in these waters. Through more than 200 stunning images; readers will see how Rhode Islanders found their fortune and character on the Narragansett Bay.
#1103572 in eBooks 2011-06-15 2011-06-15File Name: B0097E4F38
Review
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful. Excellent Ethnography of FandomBy DunamisThe point of Benzecrys book is not to simply talk about opera fanatics or give examples of them. Instead. Benzecry explains opera fandom. His astute ethnography. which emerges from years of field work in the Colon Opera House. explains to the reader how and why opera. slated as a dying art. has continued to generate a fan base. He does this not by cataloging great operas. but rather. for example. by showing 1) how the social disposition of fandom is cultivated and supported. particularly as "passion" in the upper decks of the opera house and 2) the relationship of the social history of opera in Buenos Aires to the cultivation of this disposition. In this sense. there is not a more thorough EXPLANATION and INTERPRETATION of opera fandom. Anyone interested in any form of fandom would benefit from Benzecrys perceptive and intellectually rigorous analysis.7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Bravo!By Amy G DalaDr. Benzecrys thoughtful ethnography of opera fans in Buenos Aries is detailed. rich. and thought provoking. As I read about entranced listeners who cast aside other sources of self-worth and personal values to rush headlong into the arias and wonder of the opera. I felt that I was right there. along with them at the Colon. witnessing Rigoletto. We learn about everything from the seating arrangements to the political strikes that swirl around the field. Reading this book brings you closer to understanding opera. yes. but it also brings you to the heart of seemingly irrational love to get a sense for other forms of fandom as well. The book mentions the big stars and figures. but Benzecry speaks of the people in the upper decks as well: Luis. Irma. and Franco. Maria Callas and the big names are there. but its the experiences and feelings of Luis. Irma. and Franco that gives The Opera Fanatic its heft. Bravo.13 of 13 people found the following review helpful. BrilliantBy OSheerA unique dissection of the love. the passion. fans feel for opera. Carefully researched. superbly argued. beautifully written ... who could ask for more?
