A groundbreaking critique of the West's historical, cultural, and political perceptions of the East that is—decades after its first publication—one of the most important books written about our divided world.
"Intellectual history on a high order ... and very exciting." —The New York Times
In this wide-ranging, intellectually vigorous study, Said traces the origins of "orientalism" to the centuries-long period during which Europe dominated the Middle and Near East and, from its position of power, defined "the orient" simply as "other than" the occident. This entrenched view continues to dominate western ideas and, because it does not allow the East to represent itself, prevents true understanding.
More than three decades after its first publication, Edward Said's groundbreaking critique of the West's historical, cultural, and political perceptions of the East has become a modern classic.
In this wide-ranging, intellectually vigorous study, Said traces the origins of "orientalism" to the centuries-long period during which Europe dominated the Middle and Near East and, from its position of power, defined "the orient" simply as "other than" the occident. This entrenched view continues to dominate western ideas and, because it does not allow the East to represent itself, prevents true understanding. Essential, and still eye-opening, Orientalism remains one of the most important books written about our divided world.
"Intellectual history on a high order . . . and very exciting." --
The New York Times"Powerful and disturbing. . . . The theme is the way in which intellectual traditions are created and transmitted." --
The New York Review of Books"Stimulating, elegant yet pugnacious. . . . Said observes the West observing the Arabs, and he does not like what he finds." --
The Observer"An important book. . . . Never has there been as sustained and as persuasive a case against Orientalism as Said's." --
Jerusalem Post 
