Overview

Sonic Pasts explores the fields of acoustical heritage and historical soundscapes through an interdisciplinary perspective. Reflecting on different methods of research and dissemination, it critiques biases related to race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomics, and disability that are intrinsic to these fields. Academically rigorous while also deeply personal, Sonic Pasts introduces readers to how various disciplines have studied the sounds of the past, the connection those studies have to heritage more widely, including the concept of Intangible Cultural Heritage, and how sound is represented within UNESCO heritage listings. It offers a novel theoretical and practical framework on different approaches to the design of sound installations and online experiences on the topic, including the ethical challenges presented by different techniques. This book is essential reading for students and researchers considering sounds of the past, as well as sound and heritage practitioners seeking to reflect on their current or future practices.

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9781032300054

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Reviews

‘Sonic Pasts is a landmark study of acoustical heritage and historical soundscapes, which will be indispensable for readers in academic and applied heritage contexts. Lopez explores theories and methodologies, listens in to inequalities, and proposes new and more inclusive approaches.’ Prof. Catherine Clarke, Director of the Centre for the History of People, Place and Community, University of London ‘Sonic Pasts masterfully delves into the intricacies of acoustical heritage and historical soundscapes, challenging conventional biases and advocating for interdisciplinary approaches. This compelling work invites readers to rethink the preservation of sonic environments and their cultural significance, making it a must-read for heritage scholars and enthusiasts alike.’ Prof. Gavin Kearney, University of York ‘Sonic Pasts is an impressively wide-ranging study that is deeply conscious of historic sound as a multisensory experience influenced by a range of environmental, geopolitical and socioeconomic factors. Lopez’s timely study dismantles the homogenised listener to show the urgent need for more holistic and multidisciplinary approaches to acoustic heritage, begging us to have deeper conversations about the stories we tell through sound and why.’ Rachel Willie, Principal Investigator, Soundscapes in the Early Modern World ‘Sonic Pasts is a remarkable and very welcome book that provides a unique interdisciplinary introduction to acoustical heritage and historical soundscapes, suitable for specialist and non-specialist alike [...] I would recommend it to any reader or researcher with an interest in how we listen to our world or interpret our place within it through sound.’ Damian Murphy, Professor of Sound and Music Computing, University of York

Author Information

Mariana J López is a Professor at the University of York. Her research focuses on two fields: the interdisciplinary study of acoustical heritage and historical soundscapes; and the use of sound design to create accessible experiences for visually impaired film and television audiences.

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