 | The Archival Turn in Feminism: Outrage in Order Subjects: Feminism -- North America -- History -- 20th century; Zines -- Publishing -- North America -- History -- 20th century; History -- Sources; New School cultural studies scholar Eichorn chronicles complex issues and questions regarding the archiving of feminist materials, and, through three case studies, examines the content and value of specific feminist archives: the Sallie Bingham Center for Women's History and Culture at Duke University; the Riot Grrl Collection at New York University; and the Barnard College Zine Library. Along with profiles of the women who created these organizations, Eichorn provides deeper analyses of topics ranging from questions of reconciliation that come with seeking establishment space for radical materials to the degree to which archives dispel myths. However, some strands remain loose at the end. Eichorn answers the radical/establishment reconciliation question by pointing out how many conventional feminist archives have had unorthodox origins, and emphasizes that the archive is "a potential site of resistance," but less conventional archives, such as the Lesbian Herstory Archives in Brooklyn, mentioned early on in the book, aren't similarly explored. Nevertheless, the questions Eichorn raises will deepen a necessary debate. (Aug.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved. Kate Eichhorn is Assistant Professor of Culture and Media Studies at The New School. |
