For generations now Edward W. Said's Orientalism" has defined our understanding of colonialism & empire & this " Penguin Modern Classics" edition contains a preface written by Said shortly before his death in 2003. In this highly-acclaimed work Edward Said surveys the history & nature of Western attitudes towards the East considering orientalism as a powerful European ideological creation
- a way for writers philosophers & colonial administrators to deal with the 'otherness' of eastern culture customs & beliefs. He traces this view through the writings of Homer Nerval & Flaubert Disraeli & Kipling whose imaginative depictions have greatly contributed to the West's romantic & exotic picture of the Orient. Drawing on his own experiences as an Arab Palestinian living in the West Said examines how these ideas can be a reflection of European imperialism & racism. Edward W. Said (1935-2003) was a Palestinian-American cultural critic & author born in Jerusalem & educated in Egypt & the United States. His other books include " The Question of Palestine" " Culture & Imperialism" & " Out of Place: A Memoir". If you enjoyed " Orientalism" you might like Frantz Fanon's " The Wretched of the Earth" also available in " Penguin Modern Classics". " Stimulating elegant & pugnacious". (" Observer"). " Beautifully patterned & passionately argued". (" New Statesman"). " Very exciting.. .his case is not merely persuasive but conclusive". (John Leonard " New York Times"). " Magisterial". (Terry Eagleton)."