Said, Edward W.
Orientalism: Western Conceptions of the Orient (Penguin Modern Classics)
- ISBN 13:
- 9780141187426
- author:
- Said, Edward W.
- format:
- Paperback
- publisher:
- Penguin Books
- language:
- English
- Publication Year:
- 2003
- Pages:
- 432
- Dimensions:
- 19.6 x 12.7 x 2.8 centimetres (0
- Genre:
- Asian studies
- Condition:
- New
- Availability:
- Item usually sent within 7 working days
Description
The history and nature of Western attitudes towards the East is a complex and deeply ingrained phenomenon. In this highly acclaimed work, Edward Said explores the concept of Orientalism, a powerful European ideological creation that has shaped the West's perception of the Orient. Through a detailed examination of the writings of various authors, including Homer, Flaubert, and Kipling, Said reveals how these imaginative depictions have contributed to a romantic and exotic picture of the Orient. Said's own experience as an Arab Palestinian living in the West informs his analysis, as he examines how these ideas can be a reflection of European imperialism and racism. This thought-provoking work challenges readers to consider the ways in which our perceptions of others can be shaped by our own cultural biases and historical contexts. By exploring the roots of Orientalism, Said offers a nuanced understanding of the complex relationships between East and West, and the ways in which these relationships have been shaped by power and ideology.