The History of Forgetting: Los Angeles and the Erasure of Memory

by Norman M. Klein

Book Overview

Los Angeles is a city which has long thrived on the continual re-creation of its own myth. In this work, Norman Klein examines the process of memory erasure in LA. Using a mixture of fact and fiction, the book takes on an anti-tour of downtown LA, examines life for Vietnamese immigrants in the City of Dreams, imagines Walter Benjamin as a Los Angeleno and, finally, looks at the way information technology has re-created the city, turning cyberspace...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1859848206
• ISBN13: 9781859848203
• Release Date: June 1997
• Publisher: Verso
• Length: 330 Pages
• Weight: 1.58 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.4" x 9.4"

Customer Reviews

One I won't forget

I read this book while waiting for delivery of the more well-known book `City of Quartz' by Mike Davis. I am glad I read this one first. It is a well-documented and scholarly book, yet full of passion and feeling about the City of the Angels. It focuses almost exclusively on `Downtown', whereas Davis's book ranges more widely. I was left in no doubt about Klein's feeling for that part of LA - he lives in Anegelino Heights - the first suburb just north of Downtown. Klein brings to life through personal anecdote the vitality and multiculturalism (and problems) of his, and other neighbourhoods.You get to boo and hiss at the villains who have alienated greater LA from its Downtown, but you also get a sense of Klein's affection, and sense of hope for the city.Davis's view is much bleaker and perhaps nihilistic - he rails against the racism upon which LA is foundered, and upon which the powerful thrive, but I note in passing that he lives in the uppermiddle class enclave of Pasadena. Klein, on the other hand (at least at the time of writing) remains part of the inner urban fabric of the city. I get the feeling that Klein is a supporter of urban renewal, whereas Davis views it as another alienating con on the part of City Hall. I agree with a previous reviewer that the novella within the book doesn't quite work. I think it contains the seeds of a good story in another genre, but is misplaced here. One problem may be the attempt to speak in a voice for which he has respect, but which is not his. If you are interested in all things LA, film and fictive noir, the great upheavals and crises of a city such as the Rodney King affair and the LAPD, apocalyptic LA, and more - all of which penetrate the consciousness of many way way beyond the city (through globalised media, which is part of the fabric of LA) , then you will be enthralled by this book. Read it alongside Davis, by all means, but don't neglect it in favour of Davis! If you like discussion of film and fiction set in LA, there is lots in this book to ponder. Note: Klein cites Davis in his work. I have not seen Klein cited in any work of Davis (understandable in City of Quartz, which predates Klein's work, but he also does not appear in the index for Davis's later work Ecology of Fear - which at the time of writing this I have not yet read)

Klein provides an essential vocabulary for understanding LA.

The the text is full of concepts that put LA into historical and theoretical perspective. The only part of this book that doesn't shine is the middle chapter, seven, where Klein attempts a novel set in LA. This should have stayed in his notebook.Academic yet accessible, The History of Forgetting gives readers an essential vocabulary through which they can filter their understanding of LA."Social imaginary," "trace," "simultaneous distraction," and other ideas help reinforce the central idea that LA exists as a series of what the subtitle calls "erasure(s)."I'm using this book with my college class, and while they occasionally struggle, they've gained a sense of power in their ability to take the ideas Klein puts forth and use them to interpret fiction set in LA.The text is more compelling that Mike Davis's latest, book, and certainly of interest to anyone who studies popular culture or contemporary literature.

Almost City of Quartz

The History of Forgetting is among the best of the newly bourgeoning genre of LA urban history and theory. Much of the information within is presented in an engaging, if leftist style. This book fits well alongside Mike Davis' landmark City of Quartz, though it's rather self indulgent chapter of fiction (written from the point of view of a Vietnamese immigrant), is tiresome and ultimately incongruous with Klein's apparent desire to expose the rewriting of LA's various histories. A strong, if flawed book.

Dark, darker, darkest

If you love L.A. don't read this book. If you don't want people to come here -- have them read it. This book was really a good read and made me realize why I used to dream of fires and floods about this city. It can really give you nightmares and make you a little sad that this city is indeed void of soul. Why though? Why? It's in a prime location, has lots of promise, etc., but just can't equal up to other great cities. Maybe because it just tears down things over and over again? If this city becomes like Blade Runner I'm a'leavin' for sure. Yet, when I look at the palm fronds glisten in the sun and the ocean waves sparkle against a vivid blue sky, I feel as if my heart is stuck here. Los Angeles is like an orphan who gets shuttled around. "...Forgetting" is a haunting expose' that left me blue so I had to rent a gut-splitting comedy (filmed elsewhere USA) from my neighborhood video store which used to be four other stores before that one. But of course I don't know what they used to be since all signs of former tenants have been erased.