John's review
Orientalism by Edward W. Said
(see "http://relaxandhavefun.com/?p=... for linked version)
I just spent a few days reading a book about how the West textually created and defined the Orient during the last two centuries. Most of the book focused on texts from England and France. American writings came into view during the 20th century. Of all the classic texts on the Middle East reviewed and commented on in Orientalism, I have read none of them. Of all the quotes, excerpts, epigraphs and passing comments in untranslated French in this book (easily 15 pages of French, spread throughout the book), I understood none of them. With those two disclaimers, let me say that I am glad I read Orientalism, and that I look forward to, one day, reading more of Edward Said.
I barely understood the book, but I think that Said was saying that Orientalists created our understanding of the Orient by defining it without regard to the reality of the people, ...more
I just spent a few days reading a book about how the West textually created and defined the Orient during the last two centuries. Most of the book focused on texts from England and France. American writings came into view during the 20th century. Of all the classic texts on the Middle East reviewed and commented on in Orientalism, I have read none of them. Of all the quotes, excerpts, epigraphs and passing comments in untranslated French in this book (easily 15 pages of French, spread throughout the book), I understood none of them. With those two disclaimers, let me say that I am glad I read Orientalism, and that I look forward to, one day, reading more of Edward Said.
I barely understood the book, but I think that Said was saying that Orientalists created our understanding of the Orient by defining it without regard to the reality of the people, ...more
