Authentic and Inauthentic Places ― From Heritage Sites to Theme Parks

This text for the first time concentrates exclusively on authentic and inauthentic places and provides as wide a variety of theories and environments as possible. It does not only explore what might be described as the more traditional objects for examination - places such as the city, the countryside and the coast - but also includes chapters on heritage sites, film locations, photographed places and places transformed, either temporarily or more permanently, by events and festivals. The book takes an unusual approach, identifying the key aspects of authenticity theory, such as simulacra and hyper-reality and matching them with different places. The book will also address recent theoretical developments such as experiential authenticity.

In focusing on the nature of authentic and inauthentic places, this text will provide a useful contribution to the understanding of how places are changing, how they function and are perceived and how authenticity is performed within them. This will be insightful for all those involved in the study of geography, tourism, culture and heritage.

Dr Jane Lovell is a Senior Lecturer at Canterbury Christ Church University. Jane’s PhD thesis examined staged authenticity in historic cities, she is Chair of Canterbury Heritage Partnership, co-Director of COaST Network examining culture in Kent’s seaside resorts and Chair of the Lighting Collective bringing together academics and practitioners in the field of light shows.

Dr Chris Bull is the former Head of the Department of Sport Science, Tourism and Leisure, Canterbury Christ Church University. He is the co-author of several texts: The Geography of Rural Resources (1984); An Introduction to Leisure Studies (2003); and Sports Tourism: Participants, Policy and Providers (2004 and 2009).