Routledge The American Surfer: Radical Culture and Capitalism

Explore the deep connection between surfing and American identity in The American Surfer: Radical Culture and Capitalism. Written by Kristin Lawler, this Routledge publication examines the surfer as a major archetype within popular culture. From its origins in ancient Hawaii and the early twentieth century at Waikiki beach to the California surf scene of the Depression era, this book tracks the evolution of a global phenomenon. Lawler traces how the image of the surfer has permeated films, novels, television, music, and advertising. The text follows this cultural icon through its peak in the early sixties and its continued presence over subsequent decades. This book provides a detailed look at how surfing has moved from a local tradition to a globally recognized symbol within the framework of American society and capitalism.