Edward Said is perhaps best known as the author of the landmark study
Orientalism, a book which changed the face of critical theory and
shaped the emerging field of post-colonial studies, and for his
controversial journalism on the Palestinian political situation.
Looking at the context and the impact of Said's scholarship and
journalism, this book examines Said's key ideas, including:
- the significance of 'worldliness', 'amateurism', 'secular criticism',
'affiliation' and 'contrapuntal reading'
- the place of text and critic in 'the world'
- knowledge, power and the construction of the 'Other'
- links between culture and imperialism
- exile, identity and the plight of Palestine
- a new chapter looking at Said's later work and style
This popular guide has been fully updated and revised in a new edition,
suitable for readers approaching Said's work for the first time as well
as those already familiar with the work of this important theorist. The
result is the ideal guide to one of the twentieth century's most
engaging critical thinkers.