Authenticity in North America

<p>This interdisciplinary book addresses the highly relevant debates about authenticity in North America providing a contemporary re-examination of American culture tourism and commodification of place. </p><p>Blending social sciences and humanities research skills it formulates an examination of the geography of authenticity in North America and brings together studies of both rurality and urbanity across the country exposing the many commonalities of these different landscapes. Relph stated that nostalgic places are inauthentic yet within this work several chapters explore how festivals and visitor attractions which cultivate place heritage appeal are authenticated by tourists and communities creating a shared sense of belonging. In a world of hyperreal simulacra post-truth and fake news this book bucks the trend by demonstrating that authenticity can be found everywhere: in a mouthful of food in a few bars of a Beach Boys song in a statue of a troll in a diffuse magical atmosphere in the weirdness of the ungentrified streets. </p><p>Written by a range of leading experts this book offers a contemporary view of American authenticity tourism identity and culture. It will be of great interest to upper-level students researchers and academics in Tourism Geography History Cultural Studies American Studies and Film Studies.</p>