Sensory history is an area of academic study which examines the role the five senses have played in the past. It developed partly as a reaction to the lack of serious attention given to sensory experience in traditional history books, which often treat sensory experience as a writing technique rather than a serious avenue of enquiry.[1] Works of sensory history try to convey a deeper understanding of the past through an emphasis on physical experiences.
One of the most significant proponents of sensory history is the American historian Mark M. Smith. Anthropological approaches to sensory studies have had a notable influence on sensory history and there has been significant discussion and overlap between the two disciplines.[2] The transient nature of sensory experience makes sensory history a difficult topic to study and write about. This challenge is reflected in debate within the field, such as what methods of presentation are appropriate for works of sensory history.[1][3]
- ^ a b Smith, Mark (2007). Sensory History. Berg. ISBN 978-1-84520-415-0.
- ^ Howes, David (2008). "Can These Dry Bones Live? An Anthropological Approach to the History of the Senses". The Journal of American History. 95 (2): 442–451. doi:10.2307/25095629. JSTOR 25095629.
- ^ Hoffer, Peter Charles (2008). Sensory Worlds in Early America. Johns Hopkins University Press. ISBN 978-0801873539.
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