Title
Citizen Hobo: How a Century of Homelessness Shaped America,Used
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In the years following the Civil War, a veritable army of homeless men swept across America's 'wageworkers' frontier' and forged a beguiling and bedeviling counterculture known as 'hobohemia.' Celebrating unfettered masculinity and jealously guarding the American road as the preserve of white manhood, hoboes took command of downtown districts and swaggered onto center stage of the new urban culture. Less obviously, perhaps, they also staked their own claims on the American polity, claims that would in fact transform the very entitlements of American citizenship.In this eyeopening work of American history, Todd DePastino tells the epic story of hobohemia's rise and fall, and crafts a stunning new interpretation of the 'American century' in the process. Drawing on sources ranging from diaries, letters, and police reports to movies and memoirs, Citizen Hobo breathes life into the largely forgotten world of the road, but it also, crucially, shows how the hobo army so haunted the American body politic that it prompted the creation of an entirely new social order and political economy. DePastino shows how hoboeswith their reputation as dangers to civilization, sexual savages, and professional idlersbecame a cultural and political force, influencing the creation of welfare state measures, the promotion of mass consumption, and the suburbanization of America. Citizen Hobo's sweeping retelling of American nationhood in light of enduring struggles over 'home' does more than chart the change from 'homelessness' to 'houselessness.' In its breadth and scope, the book offers nothing less than an essential new context for thinking about Americans' struggles against inequality and alienation.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: What is the main focus of 'Citizen Hobo'? A: 'Citizen Hobo' explores the history and cultural significance of homelessness in America, particularly focusing on the era following the Civil War and the emergence of a counterculture known as 'hobohemia'.
- Q: Who is the author of 'Citizen Hobo'? A: The book is authored by Todd DePastino, who provides a detailed narrative on the lives and impacts of hoboes in American society.
- Q: How many pages does 'Citizen Hobo' contain? A: 'Citizen Hobo' consists of 350 pages, offering an extensive look into the subject matter.
- Q: What type of binding does the book have? A: The book is available in hardcover binding, which provides durability and a premium feel.
- Q: When was 'Citizen Hobo' published? A: 'Citizen Hobo' was published on September 30, 2003.
- Q: What condition is the book in? A: The item condition of 'Citizen Hobo' is listed as 'Acceptable', indicating it may show signs of wear but is still readable.
- Q: What historical aspects does the book cover? A: 'Citizen Hobo' covers the rise and fall of hobohemia, the transformation of American citizenship, and the cultural and political influences of hoboes on society.
- Q: Is there a specific edition of 'Citizen Hobo'? A: Yes, the book is noted as the first edition.
- Q: What are the themes discussed in 'Citizen Hobo'? A: The book discusses themes such as masculinity, social order, inequality, and the struggles associated with homelessness and belonging in America.
- Q: Can 'Citizen Hobo' be useful for understanding American history? A: 'Citizen Hobo' provides valuable insights into American history by examining the socio-political implications of homelessness and the cultural identity of hoboes, making it a significant resource for historical understanding.